Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Selsdon

Gardeners Selsdon is committed to conducting all aspects of its work with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, and exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that the landscaping and garden maintenance sector can involve multiple suppliers, seasonal labour, and a range of contracted services, so vigilance is essential.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every level of the business. No worker should ever be subjected to coercion, withheld wages, document retention, intimidation, or unsafe working conditions. We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers connected with Gardeners Selsdon to uphold these same standards and to act responsibly in line with applicable law and ethical best practice.

To reduce the risk of abuse, Gardeners Selsdon carries out supplier audits and due diligence checks where appropriate. We review labour practices, working hours, subcontracting arrangements, and evidence of lawful employment. If concerns arise, we request clarification, documented remediation, or immediate corrective action. Suppliers who fail to meet our standards may be suspended or removed from our approved list.

Our Commitment and Controls

The responsibility for preventing modern slavery sits across the organisation, with managers expected to identify warning signs and escalate concerns quickly. Training and internal briefings help staff understand indicators such as restricted movement, unusual dependency on an employer, or inconsistent employment records. We also encourage a culture in which ethical conduct is treated as a core business requirement rather than an optional extra.

Supply Chain Oversight

Gardeners Selsdon works with a range of partners, including material providers, waste handlers, and specialist service contractors. Each relationship is assessed for risk, and higher-risk arrangements receive closer scrutiny. We seek written assurances on labour standards, conduct checks on recruitment practices, and monitor ongoing compliance throughout the relationship. This approach helps ensure that modern slavery risks are identified early and addressed decisively.

Where practical, we favour suppliers that can demonstrate transparent employment policies, proper record keeping, and fair treatment of workers. We also expect prompt cooperation during audits, inspections, or compliance reviews. Any attempt to conceal labour abuses, falsify records, or pressure workers will be treated as a serious breach of trust and may result in contract termination.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

We recognise that prevention depends on safe and reliable ways to speak up. Anyone working with or for Gardeners Selsdon may report concerns about modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical conduct through internal reporting channels. Reports may be made confidentially, and all concerns are assessed promptly, fairly, and with appropriate sensitivity. Retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern is not tolerated.

Concerns may relate to recruitment fees, debt bondage, excessive control over workers, poor accommodation conditions, or signs that someone may not be free to leave their role. When a report is received, it is investigated by the relevant manager or designated reviewer, and the outcome may include supplier remediation, enhanced monitoring, or referral to the appropriate authorities if required.

Our approach is supported by documentation and record review, because robust governance is necessary to identify risk patterns over time. We retain evidence of checks, audit findings, and any remedial actions taken. This allows Gardeners Selsdon to measure progress, strengthen controls, and respond consistently when issues are identified.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal obligations, business activity, and emerging risk factors. The annual review examines supplier performance, audit results, incident trends, training needs, and the effectiveness of our reporting channels. Where improvements are needed, action plans are agreed and monitored.

Gardeners Selsdon is committed to continuous improvement in the prevention of exploitation and the protection of vulnerable workers. By maintaining a zero-tolerance policy, carrying out supplier audits, providing secure reporting channels, and completing an annual review, we aim to uphold the highest ethical standards across our operations and supply chain.