Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Orpington to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act with integrity in all our business dealings.

Our Business and Values

Gardeners Orpington provides gardening and grounds maintenance services to residential, commercial, and community clients. Our values are rooted in respect, fairness, and environmental stewardship. These values guide the way we treat our team members, our customers, and everyone connected to our services and supply chains.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We operate a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. Modern slavery is fundamentally incompatible with our values and our commitment to ethical business practices. We expect the same high standards from all parties we work with, including employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers.

No form of forced labour, bonded labour, child labour that contravenes applicable law, or human trafficking is accepted within our business or supply chains. Any breach of this principle is treated as a serious misconduct matter and may result in termination of employment or contract, as well as referral to the relevant authorities where appropriate.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our suppliers provide tools, equipment, plants, materials, uniforms, and ancillary services that support our gardening operations. We are committed to working only with suppliers who uphold the same ethical standards we apply to ourselves.

We communicate our expectations on labour standards and human rights to suppliers and contractors. We reserve the right to conduct supplier audits, which may include requests for information on labour practices, evidence of compliance with applicable legislation, and confirmation that no forced or trafficked labour is used. Where appropriate, site visits or remote assessments may be carried out to verify working conditions.

If we identify concerns during a supplier audit, we will take proportionate and timely action. This may include requiring corrective action plans, closer monitoring, or, where issues are not satisfactorily addressed, the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We assess modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains by considering factors such as the type of work undertaken, the use of temporary or agency labour, and the geographic source of materials and products. Where higher risks are identified, we prioritise enhanced due diligence and closer engagement with relevant suppliers or intermediaries.

Our due diligence measures may include verifying worker age and identity information provided by agencies, reviewing supplier policies on labour rights, and seeking assurance that subcontractors are subject to equivalent standards.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Orpington encourages an open culture where concerns about unethical or unlawful conduct, including modern slavery, can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, workers, and external parties are encouraged to speak up if they suspect any instance of exploitation, coercion, or trafficking connected to our business or supply chain.

Reports can be made verbally or in writing to line managers or senior management. Where this is not appropriate, concerns may be escalated to an alternative senior contact within the business. All reports are treated sensitively and, as far as practicable, confidentially. We investigate concerns promptly and take appropriate remedial or disciplinary action if modern slavery risks are identified.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that relevant members of our team understand the signs of modern slavery and how to report concerns. Awareness on modern slavery risks is incorporated into appropriate training and briefings, particularly for individuals involved in recruitment, supplier management, and site supervision.

By promoting awareness, we seek to equip our people to recognise potential indicators of exploitation and to respond in a way that prioritises the safety and rights of affected individuals.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Orpington is committed to reviewing and improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. This Statement and the associated internal measures are reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or identified risks.

The annual review considers the effectiveness of our policies, the outcomes of any supplier audits or investigations, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our procedures, training, and supplier engagement activities accordingly.

Approval of This Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Orpington and reflects our ongoing commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place in our operations or supply chains.