Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Blackfriars Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Blackfriars has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act ethically and transparently in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Blackfriars has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our business, from our directly employed workforce to the suppliers and contractors who support our operations.

We are committed to conducting business in a manner that respects the dignity and safety of every individual. Any evidence of modern slavery within our organisation or supply chain will result in decisive action, which may include suspension of work, termination of contracts, and notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Supply Chains and Risk Management

Our supply chains include the sourcing of materials, tools, equipment, horticultural products, and a range of support services. We recognise that some sectors and regions may present higher risks of labour exploitation and we assess these risks regularly.

We seek to work with suppliers who share our values and who can demonstrate robust labour standards and ethical practices. Where risk is identified, we take additional steps to understand working conditions and labour practices, and we expect full cooperation from suppliers in providing information and access for verification.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All suppliers engaged by Gardeners Blackfriars are expected to comply with our standards on human rights, labour, and ethical conduct. We communicate our zero-tolerance stance clearly during selection and onboarding, and we expect suppliers to apply equivalent standards throughout their own supply chains.

We conduct supplier audits, which may include site visits, document checks, and worker interviews where appropriate and feasible. These audits focus on employment practices, worker welfare, health and safety, and the absence of coercion or exploitation. Where non-compliance is identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and timeframes for improvement. Persistent or serious breaches may result in the ending of the commercial relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Blackfriars encourages anyone connected with our business, including employees, workers within our supply chains, and other stakeholders, to raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices.

Concerns can be reported through internal reporting routes or directly to management. We are committed to handling all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we will investigate all credible allegations promptly and thoroughly, taking appropriate remedial action where necessary.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that training and awareness are essential to preventing modern slavery. Managers and staff involved in procurement, contract management, and recruitment are provided with guidance to help them identify indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond to concerns.

We aim to build a culture where ethical conduct is embedded in day-to-day decision making and where everyone understands their role in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Gardeners Blackfriars. They review key risks, incidents, and outcomes of supplier audits to ensure our controls remain effective.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to reflect developments in legislation, best practice, and the evolving risk profile of our operations and supply chains. As part of this review, we consider feedback, audit findings, and any reported concerns in order to improve our policies, procedures, and training.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Blackfriars reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to continually strengthening our approach to ethical and responsible business.