Gardeners Acton Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Acton has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Acton is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently, and in full respect of human rights and labour standards.
Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners Acton maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any practice that exploits people, undermines their dignity, or infringes upon their freedom. This commitment applies to our own activities, our workers, and all third parties that provide goods or services to our business.
All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act with integrity and uphold the values and standards set out in this statement. Any breach of this policy will be treated seriously and may result in termination of employment or business relationships, as well as notification to relevant authorities where appropriate.
Our Supply Chains and Risk Management
Our supply chains include providers of gardening tools and equipment, plants and landscaping materials, uniforms and protective clothing, and a range of business support services. We recognise that some of these sectors may present higher risks of labour exploitation, particularly where seasonal, low-paid, or migrant labour is involved.
To manage these risks, Gardeners Acton considers modern slavery risk factors during supplier selection and ongoing engagement. We seek to work with reputable partners who share our ethical standards and can demonstrate commitment to fair labour practices, safe working conditions, and respect for human rights.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Gardeners Acton is strengthening due diligence processes to identify, prevent, and address the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains. Our approach includes:
Conducting risk-based assessments of new and existing suppliers, focusing on sectors, geographies, and activities where the risk of labour exploitation may be higher. Requesting information from suppliers on their own modern slavery policies, labour standards, and workforce practices, including the use of recruitment agencies or subcontractors. Reserving the right to carry out on-site or remote audits, or to require independent audits, where concerns are identified or where there is elevated risk. Requiring suppliers to cooperate with any reasonable request for information in connection with modern slavery risk management.
Where suppliers are unable or unwilling to meet our standards, we will consider appropriate remediation actions, up to and including termination of the business relationship.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Acton encourages an open culture in which concerns about possible wrongdoing, including modern slavery and human trafficking, can be raised without fear of reprisal. All workers, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to speak up promptly if they know of or suspect any form of exploitation connected with our business or supply chains.
Concerns may be raised through line managers or senior management. Reports will be treated sensitively and, where reasonably possible, confidentially. We will investigate all credible allegations and, where appropriate, take corrective action, support affected individuals, and refer matters to competent authorities.
Training and Awareness
Gardeners Acton aims to build awareness of modern slavery risks among key staff, particularly those responsible for procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training and guidance focus on identifying warning signs of exploitation, understanding our policies, and knowing how to respond to concerns.
We encourage suppliers to provide similar awareness and training for their own workforces and to cascade expectations through their own supply chains.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually by Gardeners Acton’s leadership. The review will consider changes in our operations, emerging risks, relevant legal or regulatory developments, and feedback from stakeholders.
As part of our annual review, we will assess the effectiveness of our measures, including supplier audits, due diligence activities, and reporting mechanisms. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our practices, procedures, and this statement accordingly.
This statement reflects Gardeners Acton’s ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to conducting business in a way that respects and protects the rights and wellbeing of all individuals involved in our operations and supply chains.
