Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Kingston Vale

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Kingston Vale to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights, promote fair working conditions, and ensure that our gardening and landscaping services are delivered ethically and responsibly.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Kingston Vale maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and child labour. We do not accept any practice that undermines the dignity, freedom, or wellbeing of individuals. This applies to every aspect of our business, from direct employment to the procurement of tools, plants, materials, and outsourced services.

All managers, employees, contractors, and key suppliers are expected to understand and adhere to this policy as a condition of working with Gardeners Kingston Vale. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter that may result in termination of contracts or employment and, where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Kingston Vale provides gardening and landscaping services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chain includes nurseries, wholesalers, equipment suppliers, waste management providers, and seasonal labour providers. We recognise that some sectors and geographies carry a higher risk of modern slavery and we focus our due diligence on these higher risk areas.

We aim to work primarily with reputable, local suppliers who can demonstrate robust labour and ethical standards. We expect all suppliers to act ethically, comply with applicable labour laws, and support the elimination of modern slavery in their own operations and supply chains.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We conduct proportionate due diligence on existing and new suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. This includes requesting information on labour practices, working conditions, recruitment processes, and use of subcontractors. Where we consider a supplier to be higher risk, we may carry out more detailed checks or request additional documentation and evidence.

Gardeners Kingston Vale reserves the right to conduct site visits or audits, either announced or unannounced, to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to address identified concerns within a reasonable timeframe, we will review the relationship and may decide to suspend or terminate the contract.

Employee Awareness and Responsibilities

We aim to ensure that all employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and on-site supervision, are aware of the signs of modern slavery and know how to respond if concerns arise. Induction and periodic refreshers include information on ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and the companys zero-tolerance position.

Employees are expected to treat all colleagues and workers with dignity and respect, to follow lawful and transparent recruitment practices, and to challenge any behaviour or condition that appears exploitative or unsafe.

Reporting Channels and Protection

Gardeners Kingston Vale encourages anyone who suspects modern slavery, whether within our business or supply chains, to report their concerns without delay. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior manager, or through an internal reporting route made available to workers and key suppliers.

We will take all reports seriously and will investigate them sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate retaliation or victimisation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. Disciplinary action may be taken against anyone who attempts to intimidate or penalise a whistleblower.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance and continuous improvement. Gardeners Kingston Vale will review this Modern Slavery Statement and our related procedures at least once every year, or more frequently if there are significant changes to our business, legislation, or identified risks.

The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our due diligence processes, audit findings, any reported concerns, and feedback from employees and suppliers. Where necessary, we will update our policies, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our approach to preventing modern slavery.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Kingston Vale and reflects our continuing commitment to operating as a responsible and ethical business.