Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Richmond Upon Thames
Gardeners Richmond Upon Thames is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity in all our relationships.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation, contractor, or individual involved in such practices. This commitment applies to all aspects of our gardening and grounds maintenance services, including labour provision, materials sourcing, equipment procurement, and subcontracted services.
All managers and team leaders are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that it is understood and upheld by employees, temporary workers, and key suppliers. Any breach of this policy by staff may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract.
Risk Assessment and Due Diligence
We undertake ongoing assessments to identify and evaluate the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains. Particular attention is given to higher risk areas such as seasonal labour, subcontracted services, and international supply of gardening products and materials.
Where we identify elevated risk, we implement enhanced due diligence measures. These may include more detailed supplier questionnaires, requests for additional documentation, and closer review of labour practices, recruitment methods, and worker welfare arrangements.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Suppliers are expected to share our commitment to eradicating modern slavery and to comply with all relevant labour and human rights laws. We require suppliers to uphold fair employment practices, including voluntary employment, safe working conditions, lawful wages, and reasonable working hours.
We reserve the right to conduct audits of our suppliers, either directly or through competent third parties. These audits may involve reviewing policies, interviewing workers where appropriate, and visiting sites or facilities. Where non-compliance or serious concern is identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions within clear timeframes. If issues are not resolved, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
We encourage all employees, contractors, and business partners to report any concerns related to potential modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspicious recruitment activities, withholding of identification documents, coercive behaviour, or signs of exploitation.
Reports can be made to a line manager, a senior manager, or another trusted member of the management team. Individuals raising concerns are protected from victimisation or retaliation when acting in good faith. We treat all reports seriously and investigate them promptly and confidentially, taking appropriate remedial and protective measures where necessary.
Training and Awareness
We provide appropriate training and guidance to managers and relevant staff so they can recognise signs of modern slavery and understand the correct steps to take when concerns arise. Awareness of our zero-tolerance stance and reporting routes is embedded in staff inductions and reinforced periodically.
We expect key suppliers and contractors to ensure that their own staff and subcontractors receive adequate training on modern slavery risks and on the standards required when working with Gardeners Richmond Upon Thames.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and related measures rests with the senior management of Gardeners Richmond Upon Thames. We monitor the effectiveness of our approach through review of reported concerns, supplier performance, audit outcomes, and feedback from staff and partners.
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects current legislation, recognised best practice, and changes in our business operations or supply chains. Where necessary, we update our procedures, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our controls and reduce risk further. By publishing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to playing our part in eliminating modern slavery in all its forms.
