Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Stockwell
Gardeners Stockwell is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach to forced labour, bonded labour, and unlawful prison labour. We declare unequivocally that any form of exploitation is unacceptable in our business, and we will act promptly when concerns are raised. This document explains our policies, due diligence activities, and the controls we apply to minimise risk.
Our commitment to a comprehensive modern slavery policy extends across all teams and activities. We require all employees and contractors to uphold the highest ethical standards and to comply with our anti-slavery and human trafficking expectations. The policy is incorporated into recruitment, performance management and supplier selection processes. We prioritise transparency in procurement and labour sourcing to ensure workers are treated with dignity and respect.
We maintain an active programme of supplier engagement and supplier audits to identify and mitigate risks of exploitation. Our supplier audits assess working conditions, legal compliance, recruitment fees, contract terms and subcontracting practices. Key elements of our supplier due diligence include:
- risk-based screening and mapping of supply chains
- on-site audits and documentation reviews
- remediation plans where non-conformances are identified
Policies, Training and Supplier Audits
We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and require all suppliers to commit contractually to our standards. Our procurement contracts contain clauses that allow us to terminate relationships if slavery or severe labour abuses are found. All procurement and site management staff receive regular training to identify indicators of trafficking and exploitation. Training is mandatory for teams involved in hiring, onboarding and supplier management.
Reporting channels are well established to enable safe and confidential disclosures. Employees, contractors, and third parties can report concerns via multiple routes including anonymous reporting mechanisms, internal escalation to HR, and a dedicated compliance team. We operate a clear investigation process and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Our channels include:
- anonymous reporting hotline and secure digital submission
- direct reporting to line managers and the compliance team
- escalation to senior management where required
Supplier audits are supplemented by follow-up actions and continuous monitoring. When issues are identified we require corrective action plans, and we work collaboratively to remediate abuses and support affected workers. Persistent failures to remediate will result in contract termination and referral to appropriate authorities. We track remediation progress and audit outcomes through our compliance dashboard.
Governance, Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
Governance of our anti-slavery measures rests with senior leadership and a cross-functional compliance committee. Responsibility for implementation sits with procurement, HR and site managers who report quarterly on key performance indicators including audit coverage, number of supplier corrective actions and training completion rates. We emphasise victim-centred remediation where individuals affected by exploitation are supported with appropriate measures.
We commit to an annual review of this anti-slavery statement, our policies and our supplier audit programme. The review evaluates the effectiveness of our due diligence, the reach of our supplier engagement, and the impact of remediation activities. Findings from the annual review are used to refine risk assessment methodologies, update training materials, and prioritise resources to higher-risk areas.
In conclusion, Gardeners Stockwell maintains an unwavering stance against slavery and human trafficking. Our proactive supplier audits, clear reporting channels, contractual safeguards and annual review cycle form the backbone of our response to modern slavery risks. We will continue to strengthen our measures, collaborate with industry partners and ensure our business practices reflect our commitment to human rights. Zero tolerance is not just a policy; it is an operational imperative that guides our decisions and actions.
