Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Bounds Green to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to safeguard workers and communities connected to our business.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Bounds Green operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our activities, including horticultural services, procurement of tools and materials, recruitment, and any subcontracted work. We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners.

No form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is acceptable within our business or supply chains. We do not tolerate child labour, deceptive recruitment practices, withholding of identity documents, or any abuse of vulnerability, including through threats, coercion, or debt bondage. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious violation of our standards and may result in the termination of business relationships and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chains and Risk Assessment

Our supply chains primarily involve the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, workwear, and associated services. We recognise that certain sectors and regions may present a higher risk of modern slavery. We therefore assess suppliers and categories of spend to identify where the greatest risks may arise and focus our due diligence accordingly.

Where we work with intermediaries, distributors, or subcontractors, we require clarity on their own labour standards and the controls they have in place. We remain alert to potential warning signs, including unusually low pricing, lack of transparency in workforce management, and reluctance to provide information about employment practices.

Supplier Standards, Due Diligence, and Audits

Gardeners Bounds Green expects all suppliers and business partners to uphold labour and human rights that are consistent with our zero-tolerance stance. As part of our due diligence, we seek assurances that suppliers operate in line with local laws on employment and international principles relating to human rights and anti-slavery.

We may request documentation and evidence from suppliers describing their employment practices, worker protections, and grievance mechanisms. Where risk is identified, we reserve the right to conduct or commission audits, site visits, or assessments to verify working conditions, wage practices, and worker welfare. Failure to demonstrate adequate safeguards against modern slavery may lead to corrective action plans or the ending of the commercial relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for overseeing the implementation of this statement rests with the senior management of Gardeners Bounds Green. Managers with responsibilities for purchasing, recruitment, and site operations are required to understand the risks of modern slavery and to act promptly on any concerns.

We are committed to raising awareness among relevant staff so they can recognise potential indicators of exploitation, such as signs of control by third parties, restricted freedom of movement, or clear distress linked to working conditions. Staff are reminded that preventing modern slavery is a shared responsibility and that concerns must never be ignored.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Bounds Green encourages anyone who has concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices linked to our business to speak up. This includes employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Concerns can be raised in person with a manager or through internal reporting channels that allow issues to be escalated promptly and handled sensitively.

Reports may be made anonymously where permitted by law, and we will not tolerate any form of retaliation or victimisation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and, where necessary, addressed through remedial measures and, if required, notifications to external authorities.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process rather than a one-time exercise. Gardeners Bounds Green is committed to continually improving its approach, drawing on evolving best practice, legal requirements, and feedback from stakeholders and workers.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed at least once a year by senior management to assess its effectiveness, consider any incidents or risk changes, and determine where additional actions or training may be required. Updated versions of the statement will reflect new measures we adopt to strengthen our prevention, detection, and response to modern slavery within our business and supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Bounds Green and represents our ongoing commitment to conducting business ethically, transparently, and with respect for the rights and dignity of all people.