Gardeners Sutton Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Sutton is committed to conducting business responsibly, ethically, and in full respect of human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Sutton.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners Sutton has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking in all their forms, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and exploitation. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual involved in such practices and will take immediate action where any concerns are identified.
All individuals working for or on behalf of Gardeners Sutton are required to act with integrity and to uphold our standards of ethical conduct. Our managers are responsible for promoting awareness of this policy, ensuring it is understood and followed within their teams, and escalating any concerns regarding potential breaches.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can be higher in complex supply chains. Gardeners Sutton expects all suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers to share our commitment to ethical employment and to comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety laws.
Our supplier onboarding and review processes include an assessment of labour and ethical standards. Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits or request evidence of their own policies, processes, and due diligence relating to modern slavery. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and workers to assess compliance with our expectations.
Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and timelines. In cases of serious or persistent non-compliance, Gardeners Sutton reserves the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.
Employee Awareness, Training, and Responsibilities
We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery issues among our staff. Training is provided, as appropriate to role and responsibility, to help employees understand the signs of exploitation, the risks within our sector, and the steps to take if they have concerns.
All employees are required to comply with this statement and any associated policies. Managers must ensure that recruitment, working conditions, and subcontracting practices within their areas do not give rise to risks of modern slavery and that all workers have the legal right to work and are engaged on fair terms.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Sutton encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct to report them without delay. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any third party connected with our business, including suppliers, subcontractors, and labour agencies.
Reports can be made to line managers or senior management, who are responsible for ensuring that concerns are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will protect the confidentiality of reporters as far as practicable.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that our approach must evolve in response to emerging risks, best practice, and legal developments. Gardeners Sutton is committed to continuous improvement in our processes for identifying, assessing, and mitigating modern slavery risks.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management. As part of that review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our measures, including supplier audits, training activities, reported concerns, and any remedial actions taken. Where necessary, we update our policies and procedures to strengthen our controls and improve transparency.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Sutton and reflects our continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.
