Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners South Kensington Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement outlines the steps taken by Gardeners South Kensington to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, transparently and with respect for human rights in all aspects of our work, from our gardening services to the sourcing of materials, equipment and associated services.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners South Kensington maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with, support or benefit from any arrangement that involves the exploitation of individuals. This commitment applies to everyone who works for or with us, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers and other business partners.

We expect the same high standards from all those we work with. Any indication that a supplier or partner is involved in, or turning a blind eye to, modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in the termination of the relationship.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners South Kensington provides gardening and related services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chain includes providers of plants, soil, tools, machinery, uniforms, transport and other ancillary goods and services. We recognise that certain areas of the horticulture, construction and logistics sectors can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, and we are committed to identifying and managing these risks proactively.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and contractors to operate in line with our ethical standards and with all applicable labour and human rights laws. As part of our procurement process, new suppliers are assessed on their approach to labour practices, including working conditions, fair pay, recruitment practices and the prohibition of forced or compulsory labour.

We carry out proportionate audits and reviews of existing suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher-risk sectors or locations. These audits may include requests for documented policies, evidence of right-to-work checks, details of labour agencies used, and information about health and safety practices. Where appropriate, we may conduct site visits to observe working conditions and talk to workers about their employment arrangements.

If an audit highlights concerns or non-compliance, we will seek to work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe. Continued non-compliance, or refusal to cooperate, may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners South Kensington encourages all employees, workers, suppliers and other stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to those of any supplier or partner. We will investigate all reports promptly and confidentially, and appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is identified.

We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith. Individuals are encouraged to raise issues through their line manager or another senior member of staff. Where concerns involve senior management or where someone is not comfortable raising an issue internally, we support the use of independent advice or external reporting to relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to improving awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly managers, supervisors and those involved in procurement and recruitment. Training and guidance highlight common indicators of labour exploitation, such as unusual recruitment practices, restrictions on freedom of movement, withholding of identity documents or wages, and signs of coercion or intimidation.

By equipping our team with this knowledge, we aim to ensure that potential issues are recognised early and reported through the appropriate channels.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Gardeners South Kensington. We monitor our practices, review supplier performance and consider feedback from employees and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice. As part of each annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our controls, audit activities, training and reporting mechanisms, and we update our procedures where necessary.

Gardeners South Kensington is committed to continuous improvement in preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and dignity of everyone connected to our business and supply chains.