Gardeners Addiscombe Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Addiscombe to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards and to ensure that all individuals associated with our services are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Addiscombe operates a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. We do not accept, condone, or ignore any practice that exploits people or undermines their fundamental human rights. This commitment applies to our own operations, including all staff and workers engaged by us, and extends to our suppliers, subcontractors, and any third parties who support the delivery of our gardening and related services.

All commercial decisions at Gardeners Addiscombe are made with a view to avoiding the risk of modern slavery. We communicate our expectations to those who work with us, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party that is found to be involved in, or knowingly turning a blind eye to, modern slavery practices.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of tools, equipment, plants, landscaping materials, and various service partners. We seek to work only with reputable businesses that share our ethical values and comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.

Gardeners Addiscombe is committed to monitoring and improving transparency in our supply chain. As part of this, we conduct proportionate supplier checks and audits. These may include gathering information about a supplier’s labour practices, reviewing their own modern slavery policies, and requesting evidence of compliance with relevant standards. Where appropriate, we may carry out site visits or request further documentation if potential risks are identified.

Contracts and agreements with key suppliers include clauses requiring adherence to our modern slavery principles. Where concerns arise, we will seek corrective actions, which may include remediation plans, follow-up audits, or the ending of commercial relationships if necessary.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Addiscombe encourages openness and supports any individual who wishes to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical practices connected with our activities. We are committed to ensuring that all staff, workers, and relevant third parties feel safe to report suspected exploitation without fear of retaliation or disadvantage.

Reports can be made to management in person or in writing. Concerns may include suspected forced labour, withholding of wages, unsafe or degrading working conditions, or signs that a person may be under coercion or control. Any allegation or concern relating to modern slavery will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and handled sensitively and confidentially to the extent possible.

Where appropriate, and particularly where criminal behaviour is suspected, we will cooperate with relevant authorities. We will also support any affected individuals as far as is reasonably practicable and consistent with our legal obligations.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardeners Addiscombe promotes awareness of modern slavery risks among staff and key suppliers. Relevant personnel are informed of the signs of exploitation and the steps to take if they identify or suspect an issue.

We aim to enhance our procedures over time, strengthening due diligence, improving record-keeping, and refining supplier checks. Lessons learned from audits, reported concerns, or changes in regulation will inform updates to our internal policies and practices.

Annual Review of this Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Addiscombe to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current best practice and legal requirements. The review considers any incidents, audit findings, or emerging risks within our operations and supply chains.

Following each annual review, we will update our approach as needed and communicate any significant changes to our staff and key suppliers. By maintaining this regular review cycle, Gardeners Addiscombe seeks to continuously strengthen its efforts to prevent modern slavery and protect the rights and wellbeing of all individuals connected with our business.