Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Blackwall

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Blackwall has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Blackwall operates in the gardening, landscaping, and related services sector, engaging a range of suppliers for materials, equipment, and contracted services.

We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation through coercion or deception. Gardeners Blackwall is committed to ensuring that modern slavery has no place in our organisation or any part of our supply chain.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Blackwall operates a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any business or individual involved in such practices, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any supplier, contractor, or partner found to be in breach of this commitment.

This zero-tolerance stance is embedded in our internal policies, supplier expectations, and decision-making processes. All colleagues with responsibility for procurement, subcontracting, or hiring are required to consider modern slavery risks as a key factor in their activities. We aim to foster a culture where respect, fairness, and ethical conduct are integral to how we operate.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes suppliers of plants, soil, landscaping materials, tools, machinery, and specialist labour. Gardeners Blackwall expects all suppliers and contractors to uphold standards of ethical employment, including compliance with applicable labour laws, the prohibition of forced or compulsory labour, and the prohibition of child labour that does not meet legal working age requirements.

To support this, we are implementing supplier due diligence measures and audits that may include requesting information on labour practices, reviewing documentation related to worker rights and conditions, and, where appropriate, conducting site visits. We prioritise higher-risk suppliers and locations for more detailed review.

If a supplier is unable to demonstrate adequate safeguards against modern slavery, we will work with them to develop corrective actions and time-bound improvement plans where feasible. Where there is evidence of serious or persistent non-compliance, Gardeners Blackwall may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Gardeners Blackwall is committed to providing clear and accessible channels for raising concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices. All employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to speak up if they suspect that modern slavery may be occurring in any part of our operations or supply chain.

Concerns may be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or through any internal reporting mechanisms made available within the business. We will treat all reports seriously, handle them sensitively, and, where appropriate, investigate promptly and impartially. We do not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Where investigations indicate that modern slavery may be present, Gardeners Blackwall will take appropriate action, which may include engaging with authorities, supporting remediation efforts for affected workers, and reviewing or ending relationships with implicated parties.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery sits with senior management, who ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, are made aware of the risks of modern slavery and the steps required to identify and manage them.

We seek to build awareness across our workforce so that signs of potential exploitation, such as undue control over worker documents, restrictions on freedom of movement, or unexplained deductions from wages, can be recognised and reported.

Monitoring and Annual Review

Gardeners Blackwall is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. We recognise that risks may evolve over time as our business and supply chain change, and we will regularly review our approach to ensure it remains effective.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management. As part of the annual review, we will consider feedback from audits, any concerns raised through our reporting channels, developments in legislation and best practice, and changes in our operations. Where necessary, we will update our policies, risk assessments, and supplier requirements to strengthen our controls.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Blackwall and represents our public commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business and supply chains.