Gardeners Northwood Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Northwood has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Northwood is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or in our supply chain.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Northwood has a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. This applies to every aspect of our business, from the recruitment and treatment of our own people to the selection and management of our suppliers and subcontractors. We expect the same high standards from all those we work with and will not knowingly engage with any organisation that does not share our commitment.

All employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers are required to comply with this policy and with all relevant legislation relating to modern slavery. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any breach by a supplier or contractor may lead to the termination of our relationship.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

We recognise that the greatest risk of modern slavery can arise within complex supply chains. To address this, Gardeners Northwood is committed to embedding robust standards and carrying out proportionate checks on existing and potential suppliers. We seek to build long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers who demonstrate ethical practices and lawful working conditions.

As part of our supplier due diligence process, we assess suppliers against criteria that include labour standards, health and safety, and respect for human rights. Where appropriate and feasible, we conduct audits or request evidence of compliance with modern slavery and labour legislation. These audits may include site visits, review of employment records, and discussions with management and, where possible, workers.

If a supplier is unable to demonstrate adequate safeguards against modern slavery, we will work with them to implement improvements within a defined timescale. Where sufficient progress is not made, or where serious non-compliance is identified, we reserve the right to suspend or discontinue the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Gardeners Northwood encourages an open culture in which concerns about modern slavery can be raised promptly and without fear of retaliation. All workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking within our operations or supply chains.

Concerns can be raised directly with management or through existing internal reporting routes. Reports may be made in confidence and will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and handled sensitively. No person who raises a genuine concern will suffer any form of detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up. Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities and organisations to address identified risks or incidents.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We seek to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff and key suppliers. Relevant employees receive guidance on recognising potential indicators of modern slavery, understanding our zero-tolerance stance, and knowing how to report concerns. We aim to embed respect for human rights into our day-to-day decision-making and supplier management processes.

Gardeners Northwood is committed to continuous improvement. We review our procedures regularly and update them as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the evolving risk landscape. We also consider feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders when refining our approach.

Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Northwood. They ensure that appropriate policies, controls, and monitoring arrangements are in place and that significant risks or incidents are escalated and addressed.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with our business activities and ethical commitments. As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our supplier audits, reporting channels, and training initiatives, and we identify opportunities to strengthen our controls. The updated statement is approved by senior management and made available to our stakeholders.

By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance policy, conducting proportionate supplier audits, providing accessible reporting channels, and undertaking an annual review, Gardeners Northwood reaffirms its commitment to helping eradicate modern slavery and to promoting fair and dignified work for all.