Gardeners Charlton Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Charlton has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our operations or supply chains. Gardeners Charlton is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and with integrity across all relationships with employees, contractors, and suppliers.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Charlton operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, including direct employment, contracted services, and the procurement of goods, materials, and equipment used in our gardening and related services.

We expect everyone who works for or with Gardeners Charlton to share this commitment. We require that all employees, managers, and key suppliers act in accordance with our values and comply with all applicable laws concerning labour, employment, and human rights. Any indication that these standards are not being met will be treated as a serious breach of trust and may result in termination of contracts or other appropriate actions.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Gardeners Charlton sources products, tools, plants, and materials from a range of suppliers. We recognise that the greatest risk of modern slavery can arise within complex supply chains, and we are committed to working only with suppliers that uphold high labour and ethical standards.

We are progressively strengthening our supplier requirements to ensure that modern slavery is not present in the production or delivery of goods and services supplied to us. Our expectations include lawful employment practices, safe and fair working conditions, the prohibition of forced and child labour, and respect for workers rights to freedom of association where legally permitted.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Charlton is implementing a risk-based approach to supplier due diligence and audits. New and existing suppliers are assessed against modern slavery risk factors such as location, type of product or service, and labour intensity.

Where we identify higher risk, we may conduct enhanced due diligence which can include requesting detailed information on labour practices, reviewing relevant policies, and seeking evidence of compliance with labour laws. We reserve the right to carry out on-site or remote audits, either directly or through qualified third parties, to verify that suppliers respect our standards.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our zero-tolerance policy or fails to cooperate with our due diligence processes, Gardeners Charlton will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe. If meaningful improvements are not made, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Gardeners Charlton encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any suspicions or concerns relating to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include evidence or reasonable suspicion of forced labour, trafficking, deceptive recruitment practices, withholding of identity documents, or unsafe and exploitative working conditions.

Reports can be raised confidentially through internal reporting routes within Gardeners Charlton, including line managers or senior management. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will not suffer retaliation or adverse treatment as a result of making a report. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed with appropriate corrective or remedial action.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Gardeners Charlton. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of this Statement and ensuring that relevant procedures are followed within their teams and areas of responsibility.

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among employees whose roles involve procurement, supplier management, or recruitment. Training and guidance aim to help staff recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand how to raise concerns appropriately.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Charlton recognises that the fight against modern slavery requires continuous vigilance and improvement. We monitor the effectiveness of our approach through the review of supplier performance, reports of concerns, investigation outcomes, and feedback from staff and business partners.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every 12 months by senior management to reflect changes in legislation, business operations, industry best practice, and identified risks. Where necessary, we will update our procedures, supplier requirements, and training to strengthen our prevention and response measures.

This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Charlton, who are committed to maintaining and developing robust systems to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains.