Gardeners Barnet Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Barnet in respect of the current financial year. It sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Barnet is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations relating to labour and human rights.
Modern slavery is a crime and a fundamental violation of human rights. It can take many forms, including servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded labour, child labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Barnet adopts a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and expects the same high standards from all who work with or for us.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Gardeners Barnet provides gardening and related services, working with a range of suppliers for plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and various professional and support services. Our supply chain includes both local and international providers. While many of our relationships are long standing and built on trust, we recognise that any supply chain can present risks of modern slavery, particularly where there are multiple tiers of subcontracting or overseas sourcing.
We are committed to understanding these risks and to working collaboratively with our suppliers to minimise and ultimately eradicate modern slavery from our operations and supply networks.
Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
Gardeners Barnet has a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and human trafficking. This means we will not knowingly engage with, support, or benefit from any form of forced, bonded, trafficked, or exploitative labour. Any suspicion or evidence that a supplier, contractor, or other business partner is involved in modern slavery will lead to an immediate review of the relationship, which may result in suspension or termination of contracts.
Our zero-tolerance stance is communicated to all employees and key suppliers as part of our onboarding and supplier engagement processes. We expect all those who have, or seek to have, a business relationship with Gardeners Barnet to commit to the same standards of ethical conduct and respect for human rights.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
We are working to strengthen our due diligence processes to better identify and mitigate modern slavery risks within our supply chain. This includes assessing new suppliers for labour and human rights practices and prioritising suppliers in higher risk categories or geographies for closer review. We may request information on working conditions, recruitment practices, use of subcontractors, and compliance with relevant legislation.
Gardeners Barnet reserves the right to conduct supplier audits, either directly or through independent assessors, to verify compliance with our expectations on modern slavery and broader ethical standards. Where gaps or areas for improvement are identified, we will seek to work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and monitor progress. Continued noncompliance or unwillingness to address issues may lead to the termination of the business relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We recognise that the ability to identify and address modern slavery risks depends on ongoing awareness and vigilance. Gardeners Barnet is committed to providing appropriate training and guidance to relevant employees, focusing on those involved in procurement, contract management, and site operations. Training will cover the nature of modern slavery, signs of exploitation, and the steps to take if concerns arise.
We encourage all employees, workers, and suppliers to speak up if they have any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be reported through internal management channels, including line managers and senior leadership, or via any established whistleblowing arrangements. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively, with no tolerance for victimisation of anyone raising concerns in good faith.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Gardeners Barnet is committed to the continuous improvement of our approach to preventing modern slavery. We recognise that this is an evolving area and that expectations, best practices, and regulatory requirements continue to develop. We will review our policies, risk assessments, training, and supplier management processes on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to our business and supply chain.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed and updated annually by the leadership of Gardeners Barnet, or more frequently if required by changes in law, guidance, or the structure of our business. Any updates will reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all people who contribute to our services, whether directly or through our supply chain.
