Gardeners Somers Town Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Somers Town to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business ethically and with integrity, ensuring that everyone who works with or for us is treated with dignity and respect.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Somers Town recognises its responsibility to uphold high labour standards and to identify, prevent, and address risks of modern slavery wherever they may arise in connection with our business.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Somers Town has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation that is involved in modern slavery practices. This commitment applies to all aspects of our business, including our employees, contractors, agency workers, and suppliers.

All managers are responsible for promoting this policy and ensuring that it is understood and followed within their teams. Any breach of this policy by our staff may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. Where suppliers are found to be in breach, we will take appropriate action, which may include requiring corrective measures or ending the business relationship.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of gardening materials, equipment, uniform and protective clothing, transport, and other operational and professional services. We recognise that modern slavery risks may be higher in certain sectors and geographical regions, and we are committed to engaging only with suppliers who share our ethical standards.

Gardeners Somers Town undertakes due diligence on existing and new suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. We strive to incorporate ethical standards and labour practices into our procurement processes and supplier agreements, making it clear that modern slavery is not acceptable.

Where proportionate to the level of risk, Gardeners Somers Town may conduct audits or request evidence of compliance from suppliers, including information on their labour practices, recruitment methods, and supply chain oversight. We expect suppliers to cooperate fully with any review or audit activity and to implement corrective actions where issues are identified.

Training, Awareness, and Reporting Channels

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among our staff, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract management. Training and guidance are provided so that employees can recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond appropriately.

Gardeners Somers Town encourages all staff, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised through internal management channels or through any existing whistleblowing procedures. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly and sensitively. Where necessary, we will consider escalation to relevant authorities. We will keep appropriate records of concerns raised and our responses to them.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Somers Town is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to identifying and managing modern slavery risks. We regularly review our policies, procedures, and supplier management processes to strengthen our prevention and detection measures.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every 12 months and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and our business operations. The review will consider feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as any incidents, audits, or investigations carried out during the year.

This statement has been approved on behalf of Gardeners Somers Town and represents our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct, respect for human rights, and the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our business and supply chains.