Gardeners Shacklewell Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the measures taken by Gardeners Shacklewell to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency in all business dealings, and to implementing robust systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere within our business or among our suppliers.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Shacklewell has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, and child labour. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation involved in such practices. Our expectation is that all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers share this commitment and uphold the same high standards.

Our leadership team is responsible for promoting a culture of respect for human rights and ensuring that commercial decisions do not compromise our ethical obligations. Any breach of this policy is regarded as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts, disciplinary action, or reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Gardeners Shacklewell operates in the gardening and landscaping sector, providing services to residential, commercial, and community clients. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, soil, tools, machinery, uniforms, and other related products, as well as the use of subcontractors for specialist services.

We recognise that certain parts of the horticulture and construction-related sectors can be vulnerable to labour exploitation. We therefore treat the identification and mitigation of modern slavery risks as a core element of our business responsibility.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to adhere to our ethical standards and to comply with all relevant legislation relating to employment, working conditions, health and safety, and human rights. We communicate our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery to existing and prospective suppliers as part of our onboarding and contract renewal processes.

Where appropriate and proportionate to risk, we conduct supplier assessments and audits to verify compliance with our requirements. These may include reviewing employment practices, checking documentation relating to workers, and assessing health and safety conditions. If concerns are identified, we work with the supplier to address them through corrective action plans. Where serious or repeated issues arise, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Employee Awareness, Training, and Responsibilities

Employees at Gardeners Shacklewell are made aware of our modern slavery policy and their role in helping to identify and prevent exploitation. We aim to provide appropriate guidance so that staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and site management, can recognise indicators of modern slavery and know how to respond.

All employees are expected to act with integrity, report any suspected wrongdoing, and cooperate fully with any investigations. Managers are responsible for cascading information on our zero-tolerance approach and ensuring that work practices under their control do not create or perpetuate conditions that could facilitate exploitation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone who has concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to Gardeners Shacklewell to raise them without delay. Concerns may relate to our own staff, agency workers, subcontractors, or suppliers.

Reports can be made through our internal reporting channels, which include speaking to a line manager or a designated senior manager. Concerns can be raised confidentially, and we will take all reports seriously, investigate where appropriate, and take proportionate action. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery requires ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement. Gardeners Shacklewell is committed to regularly reviewing and strengthening our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes to respond to emerging risks and best practice standards.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed each year by our leadership team. As part of the annual review, we will assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider any incidents or concerns raised, and refine our approach where necessary. Updated versions of this statement will reflect any changes in our business structure, supply chains, or risk assessment processes.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Shacklewell and represents our enduring commitment to upholding human rights and eliminating modern slavery in all forms from our operations and supply chains.