Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners St Giles Modern Slavery Commitment

Gardeners St Giles is committed to conducting all aspects of its business with integrity, responsibility, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. It is made in accordance with relevant modern slavery legislation and reflects our ongoing efforts to safeguard the dignity and welfare of all individuals who contribute to our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, and all forms of exploitation. This applies to every part of Gardeners St Giles, including our direct employees, contractors, and any third parties acting on our behalf. We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers and business partners.

Our zero-tolerance stance is communicated through our internal policies, standard terms and conditions, and supplier requirements. Any confirmed instance of modern slavery linked to our business will result in prompt and decisive action, which may include termination of contracts and reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners St Giles operates within the gardening, landscaping, and related services sector. Our supply chains include horticultural products, tools and equipment, maintenance materials, uniforms, and various professional services. We recognise that some of these areas, particularly where products are sourced from multiple tiers or international markets, may present higher risks of labour exploitation.

We are committed to understanding these risks and working with suppliers to ensure that modern slavery is neither present nor tolerated at any stage of production or service delivery.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers to uphold high ethical standards and comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety laws. As part of our due diligence, we use a combination of supplier assessments, declarations, and audits to evaluate compliance with our expectations.

New suppliers are screened for ethical practices and asked to confirm that they do not engage in, or tolerate, modern slavery or human trafficking. For existing suppliers, we conduct periodic reviews and, where appropriate, audits that may include site visits, document checks, and discussions with management and workers. Where risks are identified, we work with suppliers on corrective action plans and monitor progress. Failure to address serious concerns may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We are committed to ensuring that relevant staff understand how to identify and respond to potential signs of modern slavery. Training is provided to managers and team members involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, and we keep our guidance under review to reflect emerging risks and legislation.

Gardeners St Giles encourages a culture of openness and accountability. Employees, workers, and suppliers are expected to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity. Concerns about possible modern slavery can be reported in confidence through internal reporting routes, including line management and senior management channels. Reports will be taken seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. We do not tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process requiring continuous improvement. Gardeners St Giles is committed to strengthening its controls, enhancing supplier engagement, and refining risk assessments over time.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness and to identify further actions required. As part of the annual review, we consider changes in our operations, supply chains, regulatory environment, and best practice guidance. Where necessary, we update our policies, training, and supplier requirements to ensure that our response to modern slavery remains robust and effective.

By approving this Statement, Gardeners St Giles reaffirms its commitment to protecting human rights, promoting ethical working practices, and working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and stakeholders to prevent modern slavery in all its forms.