Gardeners Shooters Hill Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Shooters Hill to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights and we are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships.

Gardeners Shooters Hill operates within the gardening, landscaping, and related services sector. Our activities involve the sourcing of plants, materials, tools, protective equipment, and associated services. We understand that risks of modern slavery can exist at multiple levels of these supply chains, including manufacturing, transportation, and seasonal or low-paid labour.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We maintain a clear and explicit zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and servitude. This applies to our own operations and to all individuals and organisations with which we work.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this zero-tolerance stance. Any indication that an individual or organisation is involved in modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as notification to appropriate authorities where applicable.

Our Policies and Governance

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is embedded within our wider ethical, human resources, procurement, and health and safety policies. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that these policies are implemented, monitored, and regularly reviewed.

Managers are responsible for communicating our expectations to their teams and for ensuring that modern slavery considerations are integrated into day-to-day decision-making, particularly where recruitment, subcontracting, or purchasing is involved.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardeners Shooters Hill expects all suppliers and subcontractors to operate in ways that are consistent with our values and legal obligations regarding modern slavery. We seek to work with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions, respect workers rights, and do not tolerate any form of exploitation.

As part of our approach, we carry out proportionate supplier assessments and audits, particularly where higher risks are identified due to geography, sector, or the nature of the goods and services supplied. These assessments may include requesting evidence of labour standards policies, reviewing wage and working hour records, and discussing recruitment practices and the use of labour agencies.

Where concerns are identified, we will work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and will monitor progress. If satisfactory improvements are not made within a reasonable timeframe, we will review the continuation of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks within our workforce. Relevant employees, particularly those engaged in procurement, site management, and recruitment, are briefed on the indicators of modern slavery and on our internal procedures for raising concerns.

By promoting understanding of how modern slavery can manifest, we encourage staff to remain vigilant and to help ensure that our business and supply chains are free from exploitation.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Shooters Hill encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any suspicions or concerns about modern slavery in our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing through established internal reporting channels, including line managers and senior management.

We will treat all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. No one will suffer detrimental treatment for reporting a genuine concern in good faith. All complaints or reports related to modern slavery will be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, escalated to senior leadership and external authorities.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardeners Shooters Hill is committed to continual improvement in identifying, mitigating, and addressing modern slavery risks within our business and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to assess the effectiveness of our measures, reflect on any incidents or emerging risks, and update our approach where necessary. The annual review will consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and stakeholders, as well as changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, undertaking supplier audits, encouraging robust reporting, and conducting regular reviews, Gardeners Shooters Hill seeks to contribute to the wider effort to eliminate modern slavery and to promote fair and dignified work for all.