Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Romford Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Romford is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. It is made in respect of the current financial year and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct, fair treatment, and respect for human rights in all areas of our business.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Romford adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and any other form of exploitation. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not take place in our own activities or within our supply chains.

All colleagues, managers, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this zero-tolerance stance without exception. We will terminate relationships with any party found to be involved in modern slavery or who fails to take appropriate corrective action where risks or breaches are identified.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Romford provides gardening and related services across Romford and surrounding areas. Our activities rely on a combination of directly employed staff, seasonal workers, and third-party suppliers who provide materials, equipment, and specialist services.

We recognise that some sectors associated with our supply chain, such as horticulture, seasonal labour, transport, and certain imported products, can carry a higher risk of labour exploitation. We continually assess these areas to ensure we understand and manage potential risks effectively.

Policies and Governance

Our approach to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies that promote fair recruitment, equal opportunities, and safe working conditions. These policies are communicated to staff through induction and periodic training, with specific emphasis on identifying and reporting concerns about exploitation or unethical practices.

Managers are responsible for ensuring that working conditions within their teams comply with legal and ethical standards, including working hours, pay, and health and safety requirements. Any attempt to coerce, threaten, or intimidate workers is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and contractors working with Gardeners Romford to operate in line with our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. As part of our supplier onboarding and review process, we:

Require suppliers to confirm compliance with all relevant labour and human rights legislation and to maintain transparent employment practices.

Reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence of compliance, which may include site visits, review of employment records, or discussions with workers where appropriate and lawful.

Prioritise working with suppliers who demonstrate strong ethical standards, traceability in their own supply chains, and a willingness to collaborate on improvements where needed.

Where an audit or assessment identifies potential risks or non-compliance, we will work with the supplier to agree an action plan and timeline for remediation. Failure to make adequate progress may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Romford encourages the reporting of any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains. Colleagues, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report concerns to management or through established internal reporting channels.

We will treat all reports seriously, investigate promptly and sensitively, and take appropriate action where any form of exploitation is identified. We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith do not suffer any form of retaliation or disadvantage as a result of speaking up.

Training and Awareness

We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training and briefings are used to help our people recognise potential warning signs of exploitation and understand how to respond appropriately.

By building knowledge and awareness across the organisation, we seek to foster a culture where ethical conduct and respect for human rights are embedded in everyday decision-making.

Monitoring, Measurement, and Annual Review

We regularly review the effectiveness of our measures to prevent modern slavery and identify opportunities for improvement. This includes:

Assessing the robustness of our supplier due diligence and audit processes.

Reviewing any reports, incidents, or findings relating to labour practices and taking corrective action.

Updating policies, training, and procedures to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated annually by the leadership of Gardeners Romford to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and reflective of our latest actions and commitments. We remain dedicated to strengthening our approach year on year and to working with our staff, suppliers, and wider stakeholders to eliminate modern slavery in all its forms.