Gardeners Lambeth Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps that Gardeners Lambeth has taken and is continuing to take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Lambeth is committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency, and to upholding the rights and dignity of every individual who works with or for us.
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking, all of which involve the deprivation of a person’s liberty for the purpose of exploitation. Gardeners Lambeth recognises that every organisation has a responsibility to be vigilant to these risks.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Gardeners Lambeth operates a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with, support, or do business with any individual, contractor, or organisation involved in any form of modern slavery. This applies to all areas of our business, including direct employment, subcontracted services, and all tiers of our supply chain.
All employees, agency workers, and suppliers are expected to share this commitment and to act in ways that are consistent with our values. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any supplier or contractor found to be acting in breach of this policy will face appropriate sanctions, which may include termination of contract.
Our Supply Chains and Supplier Audits
Gardeners Lambeth sources goods, equipment, and services from a range of suppliers, including local and regional businesses. We recognise that risks may exist at various points in our supply chains and that active oversight is required to identify, assess, and address those risks.
We aim to work only with suppliers who uphold similar standards of integrity and respect for human rights. As part of our due diligence, we assess new suppliers for potential indicators of modern slavery, including their employment practices, use of subcontractors, and transparency in their own supply chains.
Supplier audits are a key component of our approach. These audits may include reviewing documentation, visiting premises where appropriate, and seeking assurance that suppliers have their own policies and procedures in place to prevent modern slavery. Where concerns are identified, we work with suppliers to address them through corrective action plans. If improvements are not made within agreed timeframes, we reserve the right to end the relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
Responsibility for preventing modern slavery is shared across the organisation. Senior management provides leadership and oversight, while managers are responsible for implementing this statement within their teams and areas of influence. All staff are expected to be vigilant and to report any concerns without delay.
We will continue to raise awareness of modern slavery risks and our zero-tolerance policy through internal communications and targeted training for relevant employees, such as those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Lambeth encourages anyone with concerns about potential modern slavery or human trafficking linked to our business or supply chains to speak up. Concerns can be raised through existing reporting routes within the organisation, including line managers and senior management.
We are committed to ensuring that people who raise concerns in good faith do so without fear of retaliation or adverse treatment. All reports will be treated seriously and handled sensitively, with appropriate steps taken to investigate and address any issues identified. Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and specialist organisations.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Gardeners Lambeth recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process and that our approach must continue to evolve. We are committed to reviewing this Modern Slavery Statement on an annual basis to evaluate its effectiveness and to reflect changes in our operations, supply chains, regulatory environment, and best practice.
As part of this annual review, we will assess the outcomes of supplier audits, any reported concerns, and the impact of training and awareness activities. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our processes and communicate these changes across the organisation and to our suppliers where appropriate.
This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Lambeth and represents our firm commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business and supply chains.
