Gardeners Burnt Oak Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Burnt Oak takes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act ethically in all aspects of our business. This statement covers our approach, actions, and governance in relation to modern slavery risks.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Burnt Oak has a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that upholds the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of every individual who contributes to our services, whether directly employed or engaged through third parties.

All directors, managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to support this commitment. Any breach of this policy is treated seriously and may result in disciplinary action, termination of contracts, or referral to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Our Supply Chain Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of gardening materials, tools, equipment, maintenance services, and other related products and services. We expect all suppliers to operate to high ethical standards and to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.

We communicate our zero-tolerance stance to our suppliers and require them to confirm that they do not engage in or condone any form of modern slavery. We expect suppliers to adopt similar standards with their own subcontractors and supply networks, ensuring that the commitment to preventing modern slavery extends through multiple tiers of the supply chain.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Gardeners Burnt Oak conducts proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers, with a particular focus on those operating in higher-risk sectors or regions. This may include requests for information on labour practices, recruitment processes, worker documentation, and grievance mechanisms.

Where appropriate, we reserve the right to conduct audits or require evidence of third-party audits to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. These audits can be announced or unannounced and may involve site visits, document reviews, and confidential discussions with workers. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within clear timeframes, or, where necessary, we will end the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, and external stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions relating to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices connected to Gardeners Burnt Oak or our supply chain. Reports can be made to line managers, senior management, or through internal reporting channels established for raising ethical concerns.

All reports are treated seriously and, where possible, confidentially. No individual will suffer any form of retaliation or disadvantage for reporting a concern in good faith. We investigate all credible allegations promptly and take appropriate remedial action if any form of modern slavery is identified or suspected.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

Responsibility for implementing this Modern Slavery Statement lies with the senior management team at Gardeners Burnt Oak. Managers are required to understand the risks associated with modern slavery in their areas of responsibility and to ensure compliance with this statement.

We provide guidance and awareness raising for relevant employees so they can recognise signs of exploitation, understand reporting channels, and support our zero-tolerance approach. This includes procurement and operations staff who are best placed to identify and challenge potential risks in our supply chains.

Monitoring and Annual Review

Gardeners Burnt Oak is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to preventing modern slavery. We monitor our policies, supplier performance, and any reported incidents to identify lessons and strengthen our controls.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the senior management team to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practice. Where necessary, we update our procedures, training, and supplier engagement processes to enhance our efforts against modern slavery and human trafficking.

This statement reflects our current position and ongoing commitment to protecting the rights and wellbeing of all individuals connected to Gardeners Burnt Oak and its supply chains.