Gardeners Hampton Wick Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Hampton Wick in respect of the current financial year. It sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implement effective controls to ensure that exploitation has no place in our organisation.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and takes various forms, including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Hampton Wick is fully committed to preventing these practices and expects the same commitment from all individuals and organisations with whom we work.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Hampton Wick maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to our own activities and to every part of our supply chain, from primary producers and manufacturers to agents and service providers. We will not knowingly engage with any party that is involved in or complicit with modern slavery.

All staff, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act in a way that supports this zero-tolerance stance. Any breach, or suspected breach, of this policy will be treated with the utmost seriousness and may result in termination of contracts, cessation of business relationships, disciplinary action, or referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Supply Chain and Due Diligence

Our supply chains include providers of horticultural products, landscaping materials, tools and equipment, transport and logistics services, and a range of professional and maintenance services. We recognise that some sectors and geographic locations carry a higher risk of labour exploitation and therefore require greater scrutiny.

Gardeners Hampton Wick undertakes proportionate due diligence on current and prospective suppliers. We expect suppliers to uphold labour standards that are consistent with our values and to comply with all applicable laws relating to employment, working conditions, and human rights. We seek assurances that workers are employed voluntarily, are paid fairly, and enjoy safe and decent working conditions.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To support our zero-tolerance approach, Gardeners Hampton Wick operates a programme of supplier monitoring and review. This includes conducting audits on selected suppliers, prioritising those assessed as presenting higher risk due to sector, location, or nature of work.

Audits may review employment records, working hours, wages and benefits, use of labour agencies, worker accommodation where relevant, and health and safety practices. Where it is not practical to visit a supplier in person, we may request documentary evidence and written confirmations of compliance. If an audit identifies concerns, we will work with the supplier to agree an improvement plan with clear timescales. Where significant issues are not promptly and effectively addressed, we reserve the right to suspend or end the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Hampton Wick is committed to ensuring that workers, contractors, and other stakeholders can raise concerns about modern slavery safely and without fear of reprisal. We encourage anyone who becomes aware of suspected exploitation or unethical conduct connected to our operations or supply chain to report their concerns as soon as possible.

Concerns can be raised with line managers, senior management, or through established internal reporting channels. We will treat all reports sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. All genuine concerns will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. No person will suffer any detrimental treatment for reporting a concern in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated.

Training and Awareness

To embed our commitment throughout the organisation, Gardeners Hampton Wick provides appropriate training and guidance for staff whose roles involve procurement, supplier management, recruitment, or supervision of workers. This training helps colleagues recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand the risks within our sector, and know how to respond if they have concerns.

We also communicate our expectations regarding ethical conduct and human rights through internal policies and through our contractual arrangements with suppliers and contractors.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for implementing and overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement rests with the senior management of Gardeners Hampton Wick. They ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and controls remain in place and are effectively applied across the business.

This statement is reviewed at least once every financial year and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and the nature of our activities and supply chains. As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our measures, including supplier audits, due diligence processes, training, and reporting mechanisms. We use the findings of this review to strengthen our systems continually and to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Hampton Wick and will be made available to employees, suppliers, and other interested stakeholders.