Gardeners Blackfen Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions Gardeners Blackfen has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Blackfen recognises its responsibility to uphold human rights and to ensure that our services and purchasing practices do not contribute to exploitation in any form.

This statement relates to the financial year just ended and will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis to reflect our evolving approach.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Blackfen has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including servitude, forced or compulsory labour, child labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in our own business or in any of our supply chains.

All employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act in accordance with this policy. Any breach of our zero-tolerance approach is considered a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, as appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners Blackfen provides gardening and related services to residential and commercial customers. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, tools, equipment, protective clothing, transport services, and various professional and support services.

We recognise that some sectors and regions carry a higher risk of modern slavery. We therefore pay particular attention to suppliers involved in manufacturing, seasonal labour, and the sourcing of raw materials. Our goal is to work only with organisations that share our ethical values and can demonstrate robust labour standards and human rights practices.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All new suppliers engaged by Gardeners Blackfen are assessed against our ethical standards. We communicate our expectations clearly and require confirmation that suppliers comply with applicable labour laws and do not tolerate modern slavery in their operations.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits or request evidence of their own modern slavery policies and due diligence processes. Audits may include reviewing employment records, working conditions, subcontracting practices, and the use of recruitment agencies. We reserve the right to carry out site visits or request independent verification where we identify an elevated risk.

If any supplier is found to be in breach of our standards regarding modern slavery, we will require immediate corrective action. Failure to implement adequate remediation may result in the suspension or termination of the supplier relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Blackfen encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our business or supply chains.

Concerns can be raised confidentially through internal reporting channels, including line managers or senior management. We will treat all reports seriously and investigate them promptly, ensuring that no person raising a concern in good faith suffers any form of retaliation or disadvantage as a result.

Where appropriate, we will engage with relevant authorities and organisations to support investigations and to ensure that any victims of exploitation are protected and assisted.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff by providing guidance and training where it is most relevant to their role. This includes helping employees recognise warning signs of exploitation, understand our zero-tolerance policy, and know how to report concerns.

We are committed to continuously improving our procedures. This includes reviewing supplier onboarding processes, enhancing audit practices, and updating contractual requirements to reflect evolving legislation and best practice.

Annual Review and Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Blackfen to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and industry standards. As part of the review, we evaluate our progress, identify any areas for improvement, and set objectives for the coming year.

By maintaining strong governance, transparent reporting, and active engagement with our supply chain, Gardeners Blackfen strives to play its part in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking in all their forms.