Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Gardeners Forest Gate in respect of our financial year and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a business providing gardening and related services, we recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity in all our commercial dealings.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Forest Gate operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works for us, or on our behalf, is treated fairly, paid lawfully, and works in a safe and respectful environment. We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners.

We do not knowingly engage with any organisation that is involved in, or benefits from, modern slavery or human trafficking practices. Where credible concerns arise, we will investigate promptly and take appropriate action, which may include terminating commercial relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Forest Gate provides gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, soil, equipment, tools, uniforms, and other materials required to deliver our services. We also engage third parties for certain support services such as transport, waste management, and facilities-related works.

We recognise that some parts of these supply chains may present higher risks, particularly where products or components originate from sectors or regions with weaker labour protections. We therefore place emphasis on supplier due diligence, contractual expectations, and ongoing monitoring.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and subcontractors to operate in compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. As part of our supplier onboarding and review process, we assess the ethical and legal compliance of our partners and seek assurances that robust safeguards are in place to prevent modern slavery.

Gardeners Forest Gate conducts proportionate supplier audits and reviews, focusing on higher risk categories such as labour-intensive services, seasonal work, and goods sourced from complex or extended supply chains. These audits may include requests for documented policies, workforce records, and evidence of right-to-work checks and fair pay practices. Where non-compliance or gaps are identified, we work with suppliers to agree corrective actions and timeframes. Persistent or serious non-compliance may result in suspension or termination of the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We are committed to fostering an open culture in which concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. All workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery, human trafficking, or exploitative labour practices connected to Gardeners Forest Gate or our supply chain.

Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting routes, including escalation to line managers, senior management, or designated safeguarding representatives. We will investigate all reports promptly, sensitively, and confidentially to the extent possible, and we will take appropriate remedial and disciplinary action where wrongdoing is identified. Victimisation of any individual who raises a concern in good faith is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We seek to ensure that relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and contract management, have an appropriate understanding of modern slavery risks and indicators. Training and awareness activities are designed to help staff recognise warning signs, understand our policies, and know how to escalate concerns.

We are committed to continually improving our approach, drawing on emerging best practice, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned from investigations and audits. Where appropriate, we will strengthen our contractual terms, due diligence processes, and monitoring arrangements to further reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery and human trafficking rests with the senior management of Gardeners Forest Gate. They ensure that this statement reflects our current practices and risk profile and that appropriate resources are allocated to its implementation.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business, supply chains, or legal and regulatory requirements. The updated statement is approved at senior level and made available to our employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability for our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery.