Gardeners Richmond Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Richmond has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with applicable laws relating to modern slavery.
Gardeners Richmond provides gardening, landscaping, and related services. Although our operations are primarily local and our supply chains are relatively straightforward, we recognise that modern slavery can occur in any sector or country. We are committed to identifying and minimising any risks associated with our activities and suppliers.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
Gardeners Richmond has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any practice that limits the freedom, dignity, or basic rights of individuals. This applies to our own operations and to everyone we work with.
We expect all employees, subcontractors, and suppliers to uphold the highest standards of human rights and labour practices. Any confirmed instance of modern slavery linked to our business will lead to immediate and decisive action, which may include terminating contracts, reporting concerns to relevant authorities, and supporting affected individuals where appropriate.
Our Supply Chains and Due Diligence
Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, equipment, uniforms, and other services needed to deliver our work. We are progressively mapping these supply chains to better understand where the highest risks may lie, such as in the production of goods or provision of outsourced services.
Due diligence on new suppliers includes assessing their labour practices, ethical standards, and compliance with modern slavery legislation. We aim to work only with organisations that can demonstrate a commitment to fair employment conditions, lawful recruitment, and safe working environments.
Supplier Audits and Controls
Gardeners Richmond is developing and implementing a risk-based programme of supplier audits to verify compliance with our modern slavery requirements. These audits may include reviewing documentation, policies, and records relating to workforce practices, as well as, where appropriate, site visits and discussions with management or workers.
Where risks are identified, we will engage with suppliers to agree corrective actions and timeframes for improvement. Failure to make adequate progress or refusal to cooperate may result in a review of our business relationship and potential termination of the contract. We are committed to continuous improvement and will refine our audit processes as our understanding of risk evolves.
Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels
We are working to ensure that key members of our team understand what modern slavery is, how to recognise potential warning signs, and the steps to take if they have concerns. Training and briefing materials emphasise our zero-tolerance policy and our expectations of ethical conduct throughout the business.
Gardeners Richmond encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery in confidence and without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be reported directly to management or through any established internal reporting mechanism. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. Where necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement or other appropriate bodies.
Policies and Governance
Our modern slavery approach is supported by internal policies covering ethical conduct, recruitment, equal opportunities, health and safety, and whistleblowing. These policies are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain effective and aligned with best practice and legal requirements.
Responsibility for overseeing our efforts to address modern slavery risks sits with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources are allocated and that actions are integrated into our broader governance and risk management frameworks.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Gardeners Richmond is committed to regularly monitoring the effectiveness of the measures we take to combat modern slavery. We will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to reflect any changes in our business, supply chains, legislation, or emerging best practice.
As part of the annual review, we will consider feedback from stakeholders, outcomes of supplier audits, any reported concerns or incidents, and opportunities for improvement in our training, due diligence, and reporting mechanisms. Where necessary, we will set new objectives and update our actions to strengthen our approach.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Richmond and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting human rights in every area of our work.
