Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Tooting Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Tooting to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. As a gardening and grounds maintenance provider, we recognise our responsibility to respect human rights, promote fair working practices, and ensure that our services are delivered without exploitation.
Modern slavery includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking. Gardeners Tooting is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery has no place within our organisation or among those who supply goods and services to us.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners Tooting operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of exploitation, whether direct or indirect, in our workforce or our supply chains. All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, comply with applicable employment and human rights laws, and support our efforts to eliminate modern slavery risks.
Our zero-tolerance stance is embedded in our internal policies and staff guidance. Employment is always voluntary, with fair terms and conditions, clear wage arrangements, and transparent working hours. We do not use child labour and we will immediately end relationships with any party found to be involved in modern slavery or human trafficking.
Supply Chain Oversight and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain primarily includes horticultural product suppliers, equipment providers, uniform and safety gear manufacturers, and subcontracted service providers. We recognise that risks may arise at multiple levels of the supply chain, particularly where goods or components are sourced from regions with weaker labour protections.
To address these risks, Gardeners Tooting is developing and implementing a structured supplier due diligence process. This includes assessing existing and prospective suppliers on their labour standards, requesting confirmation of compliance with modern slavery legislation, and requiring acknowledgement of our zero-tolerance expectations.
Where proportionate, we will conduct supplier audits, which may involve site visits, document checks, and verification of working conditions. For higher-risk categories, suppliers may be asked to provide evidence of their own modern slavery policies, risk assessments, and staff training. Failure to meet our requirements may result in corrective action plans, suspension of orders, or termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Tooting encourages all workers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected with our business or supply chains. We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith are protected from retaliation or detrimental treatment.
Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or via any established whistleblowing routes made available to staff and key suppliers. Reports may include suspicions about working conditions, recruitment practices, withholding of wages or identity documents, or any behaviour that could indicate exploitation or coercion. All reports will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated as appropriate, with remedial action taken where necessary.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that awareness and vigilance are essential in preventing modern slavery. Gardeners Tooting is working to provide relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management, with information on how to identify and respond to potential indicators of modern slavery in day-to-day operations.
We aim to build modern slavery considerations into our standard decision-making processes. This includes incorporating ethical sourcing into purchasing decisions, reviewing labour practices used by subcontractors, and encouraging open dialogue with suppliers on responsible employment.
Annual Review and Statement Approval
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. Our review will consider any incidents reported, developments within our supply chains, changes in our business activities, and feedback from staff and other stakeholders.
Following each review, we will update our approach as necessary, strengthen controls where risks are identified, and continue working towards greater transparency and accountability. This statement has been endorsed by the leadership of Gardeners Tooting, who are responsible for its implementation and ongoing oversight.
