Gardeners Morden Park Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Morden Park to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act with integrity and transparency in all our business dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Morden Park adopts a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that our business and supply chains are free from any practices that exploit or abuse individuals. This commitment applies to all aspects of our operations, including recruitment, procurement, and service delivery.

We expect everyone who works with or for Gardeners Morden Park to share this commitment. Any breach of our zero-tolerance policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, cessation of engagement, or referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Scope of Operations and Supply Chains

Our activities involve gardening, grounds maintenance, and associated services. We work with a range of suppliers and subcontractors for equipment, plants, materials, and specialist services. We recognise that risks relating to modern slavery can arise at various points in these supply chains, particularly where there are multiple tiers of suppliers or where goods originate from higher-risk regions or sectors.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We are committed to engaging only with suppliers and partners who uphold ethical labour practices. Before entering into or renewing commercial relationships, we seek to understand the labour standards and working conditions within the supplier organisation and, where possible, its own supply chain.

Suppliers are required to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We clearly communicate that we will not tolerate forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, child labour, or any form of human trafficking in connection with the goods and services provided to Gardeners Morden Park.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance approach, we conduct proportionate audits and assessments of selected suppliers, focusing on those where the risk of labour exploitation is considered higher. These audits may include reviewing policies, requesting supporting documentation, and holding discussions with supplier representatives about workforce management and recruitment practices.

Where concerns are identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective actions within reasonable timeframes. Continued non-compliance, failure to improve, or evidence of modern slavery will result in appropriate steps, which may include suspending orders, ending the business relationship, and notifying relevant authorities if necessary.

Reporting Concerns and Safe Channels

Gardeners Morden Park encourages anyone connected to our business, including employees, temporary workers, contractors, and suppliers, to report any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Reports may include suspicions about working conditions, recruitment fees, retention of identity documents, or any behaviour suggestive of exploitation.

Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing to line managers, senior management, or designated points of contact within the organisation. 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 take appropriate steps to protect individuals who report issues.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness is vital in identifying and preventing modern slavery. Gardeners Morden Park is committed to providing suitable information and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. This may include briefings on indicators of modern slavery, our reporting processes, and expectations of suppliers.

By increasing awareness across our organisation, we aim to ensure that potential signs of exploitation are more likely to be recognised and addressed promptly.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. As part of the review, we consider feedback from stakeholders, findings from supplier audits, emerging risks, and any concerns that have been raised during the year.

Where improvements are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to strengthen our approach. Gardeners Morden Park is committed to ongoing development of our systems to prevent, detect, and respond to modern slavery in all its forms.

This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Morden Park, who are responsible for its implementation and for promoting a culture that rejects all forms of modern slavery and supports ethical and fair treatment of all workers.