Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Biggin Hill Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Biggin Hill to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery does not take place in any part of our organisation or in those of our suppliers.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Biggin Hill operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour, child labour and human trafficking. We expect all individuals and organisations we work with to share this commitment. Any evidence or reasonable suspicion that modern slavery is occurring within our operations or supply chain will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in the termination of contracts or other appropriate action.

Our management team is responsible for promoting awareness of this policy and ensuring that it is embedded across the business. All colleagues are expected to uphold our values and to challenge any behaviour or practice that appears inconsistent with our zero-tolerance stance.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Biggin Hill provides gardening and related services. Our activities rely on a range of suppliers, including those providing plants, tools, equipment, uniforms and occasional subcontracted labour. We recognise that modern slavery risks can arise at different tiers of the supply chain, particularly where seasonal or low-skilled labour is involved or where sourcing occurs from higher-risk regions.

We are committed to gaining transparency over our supply chains and to working only with suppliers who uphold lawful and ethical employment practices, maintain safe working conditions and respect human rights.

Supplier Standards, Due Diligence and Audits

All new key suppliers are assessed against our ethical standards before engagement. As part of our due diligence, we review information about their employment practices, health and safety arrangements and approach to modern slavery. We explain our expectations clearly and require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour, employment and human rights legislation.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers where we identify potential risk. These audits may include site visits, document reviews and discussions with management and workers to assess working conditions, wage practices and recruitment methods. Where non-compliance is identified, we expect corrective action within a reasonable timeframe, supported by an improvement plan that we may monitor closely.

If a supplier fails to demonstrate adequate progress or cooperation, Gardeners Biggin Hill may suspend or end the relationship and seek alternative partners who meet our standards.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, subcontractors and suppliers to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may include indicators such as withholding of wages, confiscation of identity documents, restrictions on freedom of movement or threats and intimidation.

Reports can be made to line managers or senior management. Individuals raising concerns will be supported and protected in line with our commitment to fair treatment and non-retaliation. We will investigate all reports promptly, sensitively and, where appropriate, confidentially. Where necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement authorities and relevant agencies to address any identified instances of modern slavery.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We are working to improve awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, purchasing and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that staff can recognise warning signs, understand our policies and know how to respond if concerns arise.

Gardeners Biggin Hill is committed to continuous improvement. We monitor developments in best practice and relevant legislation and adapt our processes where necessary to strengthen our ability to prevent and detect modern slavery.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by the leadership of Gardeners Biggin Hill to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with our values and legal obligations. As part of this review, we evaluate our risk assessment processes, supplier audits, reported concerns and remedial actions taken.

We will update this statement as needed to reflect progress, new initiatives and any significant changes to our business operations or supply chains. Gardeners Biggin Hill remains firmly committed to playing its part in eliminating modern slavery in all its forms.