Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners West Kensington to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically and responsibly and to treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners West Kensington has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our business, from our directly employed team members to the contractors, suppliers, and service providers with whom we work.
We are committed to ensuring that no form of exploitation is present in our gardening, landscaping, maintenance, or administrative activities. We expect the same commitment from all organisations that supply goods or services to us. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter that may result in corrective action, including the termination of contracts and business relationships.
Our Business and Supply Chains
Gardeners West Kensington provides gardening and landscaping services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chains include providers of plants, soils, tools, machinery, uniforms, and various support services. While our direct operations are relatively small and local, we recognise that modern slavery risks can exist at different stages of the wider supply chain, particularly where products are manufactured or sourced from higher risk regions.
We are committed to increasing transparency and understanding the origins of the goods and services we purchase, so that we can better identify and address potential risks.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We require all suppliers and contractors to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We expect them to maintain fair working conditions, including freely chosen employment, safe working environments, appropriate working hours, and fair remuneration.
To support these expectations, we conduct proportionate checks and audits on key suppliers. These may include requesting information on their labour practices, reviewing their own modern slavery statements or policies, and seeking assurance about how they monitor their own supply chains. Where we identify concerns or gaps, we work with the supplier to improve standards. If adequate improvements are not made, we will consider ending the relationship and seeking alternative suppliers who better meet our ethical requirements.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We encourage all employees, contractors, and suppliers to speak up if they have any concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to Gardeners West Kensington. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to the practices of our suppliers or subcontractors.
Team members are encouraged to raise issues directly with management or through existing internal reporting routes. Suppliers and other third parties may raise concerns with their usual contact at Gardeners West Kensington. We will treat all concerns seriously, investigate them promptly, and, where appropriate, take remedial action. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Training and Awareness
We are working to increase awareness among our team about the signs of modern slavery and the steps to take if they suspect any form of exploitation. This includes discussing ethical sourcing, labour standards, and reporting channels as part of our staff communications and onboarding processes.
As our business grows, we aim to further develop training and guidance to ensure that those involved in procurement, supplier management, and on-site supervision are equipped to identify and address potential risks.
Monitoring, Accountability and Annual Review
Gardeners West Kensington is committed to continual improvement in its approach to tackling modern slavery. We will review this statement and our related practices at least once every year, or more frequently if required by changes in law, guidance, or our business operations.
The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our supplier checks, any concerns raised through our reporting channels, and feedback from employees and business partners. Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to strengthen our safeguards against modern slavery and human trafficking.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners West Kensington and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.
