Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Nine Elms to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Nine Elms provides gardening, landscaping, and related services, and we recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards in all areas of our work.

Modern slavery is a crime and a fundamental violation of human rights. It can take many forms, including servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Nine Elms is fully committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not occur in our operations or supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Nine Elms maintains a clear and explicit zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with, support, or benefit from any form of modern slavery. This commitment applies to all directors, employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Gardeners Nine Elms.

We expect everyone in our organisation and supply chain to share this commitment. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any breach by a supplier or contractor may result in termination of contracts and business relationships.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include providers of plants, tools, equipment, uniforms, transport, and other services required for the delivery of our gardening and landscaping operations. We seek to work with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate robust practices to prevent modern slavery and human rights abuses.

We communicate our zero-tolerance stance to new and existing suppliers and make clear that adherence to ethical labour standards is a condition of doing business with Gardeners Nine Elms. Where appropriate, we request information on a supplier's policies, procedures, and due diligence processes relating to labour practices and worker welfare.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Nine Elms carries out proportionate due diligence on suppliers based on the nature of the goods or services provided and the level of risk identified. This may include requesting documentation on employment practices, reviewing relevant policies, and assessing traceability in the supply of products.

We reserve the right to conduct audits or assessments of suppliers, either directly or through third parties, to verify compliance with our standards on modern slavery. Where concerns are identified, we will engage with the supplier to develop corrective action plans with clear timelines. If adequate improvements are not made, we will consider suspending or ending the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Escalation

Gardeners Nine Elms encourages all employees, workers, and suppliers to report any concerns they may have about modern slavery, exploitation, or unethical behaviour connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, excessive working hours, restrictions on movement, or any other indicators of modern slavery.

Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or via established internal reporting routes within Gardeners Nine Elms. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. We are committed to protecting those who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation or detrimental treatment.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing and overseeing this statement lies with the senior management team of Gardeners Nine Elms. Management is responsible for ensuring that relevant staff understand our expectations regarding modern slavery and know how to identify potential risks and report concerns.

We aim to raise awareness among employees about the signs of modern slavery and the importance of ethical conduct when engaging with colleagues, agency workers, and suppliers. This includes making this statement available to staff and integrating key messages into relevant training and induction materials where appropriate.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Nine Elms is committed to continual improvement in our approach to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. We monitor our practices and supply chain relationships to identify opportunities to strengthen our controls and mitigate emerging risks.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed at least once every twelve months by senior management. The review will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits or assessments, changes in legislation or guidance, and feedback from stakeholders. Following each review, we will update this statement and our related procedures as necessary to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.

This statement is made on behalf of Gardeners Nine Elms and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.