Gardeners Goddington Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Goddington to understand and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, responsibly, and in full compliance with applicable laws regarding labour and human rights.

Our Zero Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Goddington adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any practice that deprives individuals of their freedom or dignity for personal or commercial gain. This policy applies to all aspects of our business, including our employees, contractors, and suppliers.

We are committed to creating a working environment in which exploitation is not tolerated, and where everyone is treated fairly, with respect and transparency. We expect all those who work with us or on our behalf to share this commitment and uphold equivalent standards in their own operations.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Goddington provides professional gardening and related services. While many of our activities are delivered directly by our own workforce, we also engage with a range of suppliers and subcontractors for goods, materials, tools, equipment, and specialist services. We recognise that modern slavery risks can occur at multiple tiers of the supply chain, especially where there are complex sourcing arrangements or reliance on temporary or migrant labour.

We are continually improving our understanding of these risks and working to ensure that our supply chain reflects our values and complies with our standards on human rights and labour practices.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and subcontractors to operate in accordance with all relevant labour and human rights legislation and to maintain safe, fair, and transparent working conditions. Our supplier onboarding process includes an assessment of ethical practices and labour standards, and we favour partners who demonstrate robust governance and responsible sourcing.

To support compliance, we undertake periodic audits and reviews of selected suppliers. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management about recruitment practices, working hours, wages, and health and safety arrangements. Where we identify concerns or potential non-compliance, we work with suppliers to implement corrective actions within defined timeframes. If a supplier fails to remedy serious issues or demonstrates unwillingness to meet our standards, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Goddington encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to raise any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, unsafe working conditions, unfair recruitment practices, withholding of identity documents, or any indication that someone may be at risk of modern slavery.

We provide confidential internal reporting channels, allowing individuals to report concerns without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly and sensitively. Where appropriate, we will refer matters to relevant authorities and cooperate fully with any external investigations. Retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

Training and Awareness

We recognise the importance of equipping our team with the knowledge to identify and respond to modern slavery risks. Gardeners Goddington provides training and guidance for relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, recruitment, and site supervision. Training covers the indicators of modern slavery, how to report concerns, and our expectations of suppliers.

We also promote awareness of our policies among suppliers to ensure that our standards are understood and embedded throughout our supply chain.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

The responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Goddington. They ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and controls are in place and that identified risks are monitored and addressed. Progress on modern slavery initiatives is periodically reviewed and used to inform improvements in our systems and practices.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every twelve months to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. As part of this annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our supplier audits, reporting mechanisms, and training programs. Where necessary, we update our processes and implement new measures to strengthen our prevention and response to modern slavery risks.

This statement reflects the position of Gardeners Goddington at the time of publication and demonstrates our continuing commitment to combating modern slavery and protecting the rights and welfare of all those connected to our business.