Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Bankside

Gardeners Bankside is committed to conducting its activities with integrity, dignity, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that a zero-tolerance policy is essential to protecting people, maintaining trust, and upholding responsible business practices across every part of Gardener Bankside and the wider horticultural sector.

Our position is clear: we do not accept any form of slavery or exploitation in any relationship connected to our work. This applies to employment practices, subcontracted services, and the sourcing of materials, equipment, and outsourced support. Every supplier and partner is expected to share our values, comply with applicable labour laws, and demonstrate ethical conduct at all times. The commitment of Gardeners Bankside extends beyond compliance; it is grounded in respect for workers and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

To reduce risk, we maintain a risk-based due diligence process when engaging with new and existing suppliers. This includes reviewing labour standards, contractual obligations, and the origin of goods and services where relevant. In higher-risk categories, we may request written confirmations, supporting records, and corrective action plans. Our approach is designed to identify warning signs early and to ensure that the supply chain connected to gardeners bankside remains transparent and accountable.

Supplier Oversight and Compliance

Supplier audits are a central part of our framework for preventing modern slavery. We carry out periodic audits, either directly or through qualified third parties, to assess working conditions, wage practices, recruitment processes, and the treatment of workers. These audits are used not only to verify compliance, but also to encourage continuous improvement. Where concerns are identified, suppliers must cooperate with investigations and implement corrective measures within agreed timelines. If serious breaches are confirmed, Gardeners Bankside may suspend or terminate the relationship.

We also require our suppliers to confirm that they do not use child labour, debt bondage, or any form of coercive recruitment. This expectation is reinforced through procurement terms and supplier onboarding procedures. Our purchasing decisions take ethical performance into account alongside quality, service, and value. In doing so, we aim to ensure that the standards of gardeners Bankside are reflected throughout the full lifecycle of every contract.

Training and awareness are equally important. Managers and staff involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract oversight are briefed on the indicators of modern slavery, including restricted movement, withheld identity documents, unusual pay deductions, and signs of intimidation. By improving awareness across the business, we strengthen our ability to spot potential risks and act responsibly when concerns arise.

Reporting, Escalation, and Safeguarding

Gardeners Bankside encourages all workers, suppliers, and contractors to raise concerns without delay if they suspect unethical behaviour. Reporting channels are available through internal management routes and confidential escalation processes, and concerns may be raised anonymously where permitted by law and procedure. Every report is taken seriously and reviewed promptly. Allegations are handled discreetly to protect individuals and preserve evidence, while ensuring that appropriate action is taken where needed.

If an issue suggests that modern slavery may be present, we will escalate it immediately to the relevant decision-makers and, where required, to external authorities. Our response may include pausing activity, increasing monitoring, revising procurement controls, or removing a supplier from approved status. We believe that effective safeguarding depends on decisive action, not only written commitments. For Gardeners Bankside, the protection of people is inseparable from business integrity.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and proportionate to our operations and risk exposure. The review considers audit findings, supplier performance, training outcomes, incident reports, and changes in legislation or sector practice. Where improvements are identified, we update procedures, strengthen oversight, and refine our controls. Annual review ensures that the anti-slavery measures of Gardeners Bankside do not remain static, but continue to develop in line with emerging risks.

Through this statement, Gardeners Bankside reaffirms its commitment to ethical business conduct and the protection of human rights. We expect everyone connected to our work to support these principles, challenge poor practice, and help maintain a supply chain free from exploitation. Modern slavery has no place in our business, and our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review process form the foundation of our ongoing vigilance.