Gardeners Bankside Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Bankside has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to ensuring that all workers who contribute to our business are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Gardeners Bankside operates in the horticulture, landscaping, and grounds maintenance sector. Our activities rely on a range of suppliers, including plant nurseries, equipment providers, uniform manufacturers, maintenance contractors, and labour agencies. We understand that certain elements of these supply chains can be vulnerable to labour exploitation and we therefore apply robust controls to mitigate these risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our operations, from our direct employees to all individuals working within our supply chains. We expect the same high standards from our suppliers, contractors, and business partners.

Our internal policies emphasise lawful and ethical conduct, fair recruitment, appropriate working conditions, and transparent employment relationships. We do not tolerate threats, intimidation, retention of identity documents, or any practice that restricts a worker’s freedom of movement or ability to leave employment on reasonable notice.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our key suppliers to confirm that they comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights legislation, and that they have their own measures in place to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. Our standard terms with suppliers include obligations relating to ethical conduct, employment practices, and adherence to our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery.

To support these expectations, we undertake proportionate due diligence on existing and potential suppliers. This may include questionnaires, requests for policy documentation, and where appropriate, site visits or remote audits. We prioritise suppliers in higher-risk categories, such as those operating in sectors or regions where labour exploitation is known to be more prevalent.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our requirements or is unable to provide adequate assurances, we will work with them to address identified issues through corrective actions and agreed improvement plans. Where serious breaches are identified, or where a supplier fails to improve within a reasonable timeframe, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Bankside is committed to fostering a culture in which concerns about modern slavery and unethical practices can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. All workers, including agency staff and individuals employed by our suppliers, are encouraged to report any suspicion or knowledge of exploitation, unsafe working conditions, or unethical behaviour connected to our business or supply chains.

Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management, or designated internal contacts, either verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports are accepted where legally permitted. All reports will be treated sensitively and investigated promptly, with appropriate follow-up actions taken to address any substantiated issues. We will not tolerate victimisation or disadvantage of any person who raises a concern in good faith.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide relevant personnel with information and guidance on identifying signs of modern slavery and on the correct procedures for escalating concerns. This includes managers involved in procurement, recruitment, and site supervision, who are most likely to encounter potential risks. We continually review the adequacy of our training materials and update them to reflect evolving best practice and legal requirements.

In addition, we seek to promote awareness among our suppliers by communicating our expectations clearly and encouraging them to implement their own training and monitoring arrangements. Through dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration, we aim to strengthen standards throughout the broader horticultural and landscaping supply chain.

Monitoring, Annual Review, and Approval

Our approach to preventing modern slavery is regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains effective and proportionate to our risk profile. At least once a year, we assess our policies, supplier due diligence processes, reporting mechanisms, and training programmes, taking into account any incidents reported, changes to our operations, and developments in legislation or guidance.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we incorporate them into our action plans for the following year. This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually and is approved at senior management level to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ethical and responsible business practices across Gardeners Bankside and its supply chains.