Gardeners Norbury Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Norbury is committed to conducting all aspects of our gardening, landscaping, and related services in a manner that respects human rights and upholds the dignity and wellbeing of every person involved in our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation in connection with our business.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. Gardeners Norbury will not knowingly engage with any individual, organisation, or supplier that is involved in practices that exploit people or breach fundamental human rights. All directors, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships.

Modern slavery is a serious violation of human rights and is incompatible with our values. Any suspected instance of forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, child labour, or human trafficking connected to our business will be treated with the utmost seriousness and investigated promptly.

Our Operations and Supply Chain

Gardeners Norbury operates within the gardening and landscaping sector and relies on a network of suppliers for plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and related services. We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at multiple levels of the supply chain, especially where goods and materials originate from regions or sectors with lower regulatory oversight.

We aim to work with suppliers that share our commitment to ethical standards. We expect them to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and to implement measures that prevent forced or trafficked labour from entering their own supply chains.

Supplier Standards and Audits

To reinforce our zero-tolerance stance, Gardeners Norbury is developing and implementing supplier standards that explicitly prohibit modern slavery and human trafficking. These standards form part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing evaluation process.

We conduct proportionate supplier due diligence and periodic audits, which may include requesting information about labour practices, recruitment processes, worker welfare, and subcontracting arrangements. Where appropriate, we may require suppliers to complete self-assessment questionnaires, provide documentary evidence of compliance, and cooperate with site visits or inspections.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards or is unable or unwilling to address identified risks, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship. Our preference is to work collaboratively with suppliers to remediate issues where possible, but we will not compromise on fundamental human rights.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

Responsibility for implementing this Modern Slavery Statement sits with the senior management of Gardeners Norbury, who oversee its integration into our policies and procedures. Managers are expected to lead by example and ensure that their teams understand the importance of preventing modern slavery.

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery indicators among relevant staff, especially those involved in procurement and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise warning signs such as retention of identity documents, restriction of movement, unreasonable deductions from wages, or evidence of coercion.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Norbury encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery related to our operations or supply chains to speak up without fear of retaliation. Employees are encouraged to report concerns to their line manager or a senior manager. Concerns can also be raised directly with a designated senior contact responsible for overseeing ethical and compliance matters.

We treat all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. All allegations will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and, where appropriate, escalated to relevant authorities or external experts. No one will suffer detrimental treatment for reporting a modern slavery concern in good faith, even if it is not substantiated upon investigation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Norbury recognises that the risks of modern slavery can evolve over time and that continual improvement is essential. We are committed to regularly reviewing our policies, risk assessments, and supplier management processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by senior management. The review will consider our audit findings, any reported concerns, changes in our operations or supply chains, and developments in best practice and legal requirements. Where necessary, we will update our approach and communicate any significant changes to our employees and suppliers.

This statement reflects the position of Gardeners Norbury at the time of publication and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and wellbeing of all individuals connected to our business.