Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Kidbrooke

Gardeners Kidbrooke is committed to conducting its business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitative practices within our own operations and throughout our supply chain. We recognise that zero tolerance is essential to protecting workers and maintaining ethical standards across all gardening activities.

Our Gardeners Kidbrooke team understands that risks can exist in labour sourcing, subcontracted services, seasonal work, and the procurement of materials. For that reason, we maintain clear controls over recruitment, onboarding, and supplier selection. We expect every person and organisation connected to our work to uphold lawful employment, fair wages, safe conditions, and freedom from coercion.

We also train relevant staff to identify indicators of exploitation, such as restricted movement, withheld documents, excessive working hours, or intimidation. If concerns arise, we act promptly, investigate carefully, and take corrective action where needed. Our approach is based on accountability, prevention, and continual improvement.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Kidbrooke operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of slavery or human trafficking. This policy applies to employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. No exception is permitted where labour abuse, debt bondage, child labour, or unsafe and unlawful working arrangements are identified. We require all parties to comply with applicable employment and anti-slavery laws, as well as our own ethical standards.

Where any breach is suspected, we will investigate without delay and may suspend or terminate relationships with suppliers or contractors that fail to meet our requirements. We believe that firm action is necessary not only to address immediate concerns, but also to deter future wrongdoing and reinforce responsible business conduct.

Our commitment is reflected in internal procedures, managerial oversight, and regular staff awareness measures. By embedding these standards into daily operations, we aim to ensure that every service delivered by Gardeners Kidbrooke is consistent with dignity, fairness, and lawful practice.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier control is central to our anti-slavery programme. We conduct proportionate due diligence before engaging new suppliers and monitor existing relationships through periodic assessments. These checks may include reviewing labour practices, verifying business legitimacy, and confirming that workers are employed voluntarily and on fair terms.

In addition, we carry out supplier audits where the level of risk justifies closer scrutiny. Audits focus on workforce management, recruitment processes, record keeping, pay practices, and compliance with labour standards. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable controls, we require improvements within a defined timeframe or reconsider the relationship entirely.

We also encourage transparent communication with suppliers so that concerns can be raised early. This helps Gardeners Kidbrooke identify vulnerabilities before they become serious problems and supports a culture of shared responsibility across the supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Safeguarding Concerns

We are committed to making it safe to report concerns about modern slavery or any related abuse. Staff and other relevant parties are encouraged to raise issues through internal reporting channels, line management, or designated safeguarding processes. Reports are treated seriously, handled discreetly, and reviewed promptly by the appropriate decision-makers.

Anyone raising a concern in good faith will be protected from retaliation or disadvantage. This protection is essential to ensuring that suspected exploitation can be identified early. Where necessary, we may involve external authorities or specialist support to safeguard affected individuals and address urgent risks.

Gardeners Kidbrooke reinforces the importance of speaking up through training and internal communications, so that workers understand what to report and how concerns will be assessed. Our objective is to maintain a workplace and supply chain in which unlawful conduct is neither hidden nor tolerated.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

We review this Gardeners Kidbrooke modern slavery statement annually to ensure it remains effective, accurate, and aligned with current legal and operational risks. The review considers audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, training activity, and any changes to our business model or supply chain.

Where improvements are identified, we update our policies and procedures accordingly. This may include enhanced supplier screening, additional staff training, stronger monitoring, or revised reporting mechanisms. Annual review is not a formality; it is a practical step that helps us strengthen our anti-slavery controls year after year.

Through zero tolerance, supplier audits, reliable reporting channels, and annual review, Gardeners Kidbrooke remains committed to ethical practice and the prevention of modern slavery in all areas of our work.