Gardeners Holborn Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Holborn has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not occur.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Holborn maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. This commitment applies to every aspect of our organisation, including our own workforce, our contractors, and our suppliers. We expect our partners to adhere to the same high standards and to uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of all workers.

All directors, managers, and employees are required to comply with this policy and to support our efforts to identify, prevent, and address any risk of modern slavery. Breaches of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, and breaches by suppliers or contractors may result in the termination of contracts or business relationships.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Gardeners Holborn operates in the gardening, landscaping, and related services sector. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. We recognise that certain sectors and geographic regions may present a higher risk of modern slavery, and we are committed to identifying and mitigating these risks through targeted due diligence and continuous engagement.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to ensure that they do not engage in, or contribute to, modern slavery or human trafficking. Our supplier standards require that workers are employed voluntarily, paid fairly, and treated with dignity and respect, with safe and hygienic working conditions and lawful working hours.

Gardeners Holborn carries out proportionate risk-based due diligence on existing and potential suppliers. This may include requesting information on labour practices, reviewing relevant certifications, and assessing the supplier’s own policies and procedures on human rights and modern slavery. Where appropriate, we conduct audits of suppliers, which may be carried out directly or by qualified third parties. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and confidential worker interviews, with follow-up actions agreed and monitored where improvements are required.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Holborn. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their teams and ensuring that staff understand their obligations. We provide training and awareness-raising for relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and site supervision, so they are able to recognise indicators of modern slavery and respond appropriately.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Holborn encourages anyone who has concerns about potential modern slavery risks or incidents in our business or supply chains to report them without delay. Concerns can be raised through our internal reporting channels or directly to management. Reports can be made confidentially, and we will treat all disclosures sensitively and, where possible, anonymously.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. All reports will be investigated promptly, and appropriate action will be taken, which may include engaging with suppliers, notifying relevant authorities, and reviewing our internal controls.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to regularly reviewing and improving our approach to tackling modern slavery. Gardeners Holborn will review this Modern Slavery Statement on an annual basis, or more frequently where required by changes in legislation, business activities, or risk assessments. As part of the review process, we will consider the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training programmes, and reporting mechanisms, and will update our measures to strengthen prevention and response.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Holborn and reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining ethical and responsible business practices across all our operations and supply chains.