Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Leytonstone

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Leytonstone to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and with integrity, ensuring respect for human rights in all our activities and relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Leytonstone provides gardening, landscaping, and related maintenance services for residential and commercial clients. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. We recognise that risks related to modern slavery can arise at various levels of these supply chains, particularly where there are complex distribution networks or the use of low-paid or seasonal labour.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Leytonstone has a strict zero-tolerance policy to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not and will not engage or partner with any organisation that knowingly supports or is found to be involved in such practices. This zero-tolerance approach applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, suppliers, and business partners who are expected to uphold the same high standards.

We are committed to promoting fair working conditions, voluntary employment relationships, and the freedom of workers to leave employment under reasonable and lawful terms. We do not tolerate the use of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, or any form of child labour in our operations or supply chains.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all our suppliers and business partners to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery and to comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws. Supplier selection and ongoing relationships are guided by ethical, social, and environmental considerations alongside quality and price.

Where proportionate and risk-based, we undertake due diligence and audits of suppliers to assess compliance with our standards on modern slavery. This may include requesting information about labour practices, reviewing policies and procedures, and, where appropriate, site visits and verification activities. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our expectations or remedial requirements, we reserve the right to review, suspend, or terminate the commercial relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Leytonstone encourages a culture of openness and accountability. Any worker, supplier, or third party who has concerns about potential modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical labour practices in our operations or supply chains is encouraged to raise them without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported through internal reporting lines, including line managers and senior management, or through any other established whistleblowing mechanisms we operate. All reports will be treated seriously and sensitively, and will be investigated promptly and, where appropriate, independently. Where wrongdoing is identified, we will take corrective action, which may include working with the relevant supplier to implement improvements or ending the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness and understanding are essential to identifying and preventing modern slavery. Gardeners Leytonstone aims to ensure that relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, receive training or guidance on the risks of modern slavery and the indicators of exploitation.

We encourage those working for or with us to remain vigilant, to question potentially suspicious circumstances, and to use the available reporting channels whenever they have concerns or doubts.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Leytonstone is committed to continuous improvement in the way we identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks. We regularly review our policies, procedures, and supply chain practices to enhance their effectiveness and alignment with best practice and legal requirements.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually by our management team. The review will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier assessments, changes to our business operations or supply chains, and updates in legislation or guidance. Where necessary, we will update our controls, policies, and training to strengthen our approach.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Leytonstone and represents our ongoing commitment to eliminating modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our business.