Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Aldgate Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Aldgate has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Aldgate provides gardening and related services, and we recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct wherever we operate.

Modern slavery is a grave violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, child labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Aldgate is fully committed to ensuring that such practices have no place in our organisation or the network of suppliers and subcontractors who support our services.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners Aldgate operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers engaged in providing goods or services to our business.

We require that everyone we work with adheres to standards that are consistent with internationally recognised human rights and labour rights. Any actual or suspected instance of modern slavery will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may lead to termination of contracts, removal from approved supplier lists, or reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Supply Chain Standards and Due Diligence

Gardeners Aldgate relies on a range of suppliers, including those providing plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to ethical conduct and to operate in full compliance with applicable labour and human rights laws.

As part of our due diligence processes, we assess the risks of modern slavery within our supply chains based on factors such as product type, country of origin, and the nature of work performed. Where higher risk is identified, we seek enhanced assurances and more frequent monitoring to ensure that adequate protections for workers are in place.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance approach, Gardeners Aldgate has introduced supplier reviews and audits aimed at assessing compliance with our ethical and labour standards. These measures may include pre-qualification questionnaires, on-site visits where proportionate and feasible, and requests for evidence of policies, training, and worker welfare safeguards.

Suppliers are required to confirm that they do not engage in or tolerate forced labour, child labour, or any form of exploitation, and that they maintain appropriate records relating to employment conditions, pay, working hours, and recruitment practices. Where audit findings reveal shortcomings, we will work collaboratively with suppliers on corrective action plans, with clear timelines and follow-up checks. Persistent non-compliance may result in the end of the business relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

Gardeners Aldgate is committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and key suppliers. We provide guidance to relevant staff on identifying indicators of exploitation, such as restriction of movement, retention of identity documents, intimidation, or unreasonable deductions from pay.

We encourage a culture where concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are urged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking through established internal reporting channels or directly to senior management. All reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with appropriate confidentiality. Where necessary, we will cooperate with external agencies and authorities in any investigation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Aldgate recognises that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires constant vigilance and improvement. We are committed to regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence, and supplier oversight processes.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by our leadership team to reflect changes in our business operations, evolving legal requirements, and best practice guidance. As part of this review, we will consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as the results of any audits, investigations, or reported concerns.

By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance stance, strengthening our supplier assessments and audits, promoting awareness, and maintaining robust reporting channels, Gardeners Aldgate aims to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business or our supply chains.