Gardeners Docklands Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Docklands is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to identifying, preventing and mitigating the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We recognise that a clear modern slavery commitment is essential to protect workers, suppliers and the communities we serve.
We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and forced labour. Our anti-slavery and modern slavery policy requires all employees, contractors and partners to adhere to our standards of conduct. Any breach of this policy is considered a serious disciplinary matter and will be dealt with accordingly. The Company will not tolerate exploitative labour practices in its workforce or in the supply chain.
This slavery and human trafficking statement covers all entities under Gardeners Docklands control and applies to our suppliers, subcontractors and service providers. We evaluate risk across procurement categories including seasonal labour, landscaping services, equipment suppliers and contracted maintenance teams. Our modern slavery policy and modern slavery statement language is embedded into supplier agreements and tender documents to ensure clarity of expectations.
Our due diligence process for suppliers includes pre-contract risk assessments and contractual clauses that require compliance with labour laws and the Modern Slavery Act principles. We carry out background checks for higher-risk vendors and insist on transparency around employment practices. The procurement team works with operational managers to identify where deeper scrutiny is required.
We conduct regular supplier audits and site visits to verify compliance with our anti-slavery requirements. Audit procedures are tailored to risk profile and include document review, worker interviews and verification of payroll and recruitment processes. Typical audit focus areas include:
- Recruitment practices and use of labour intermediaries
- Payment of wages and avoidance of unlawful deductions
- Working hours, contracts and freedom of movement
- Health, safety and welfare provisions
Where non-compliance is identified we require corrective action plans with clear timelines. In cases of serious breaches, we will suspend or terminate relationships and pursue remediation. Our supplier audits underpin our ongoing commitment to an ethical supply chain.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We provide multiple confidential reporting channels for employees, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or exploitation. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly by a dedicated compliance team. Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation and, where appropriate, matters are escalated to senior management for decisive action.
Investigations follow a consistent protocol that preserves evidence and respects the rights of any affected individuals. We collaborate with relevant authorities and specialist organisations if remediation or support for victims is required. Our approach emphasises remediation, prevention and the strengthening of controls to stop recurrence.
Gardeners Docklands invests in staff training and supplier engagement to raise awareness of modern slavery risks. We deliver targeted training for procurement, HR and operational teams and provide guidance to suppliers on meeting our standards. Staff are encouraged to remain vigilant and to use the reporting channels where concerns arise.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We carry out an annual review of this modern slavery statement and our related policies to ensure they remain effective and aligned with emerging risks and best practice. The review examines incident logs, audit outcomes, supplier performance and the effectiveness of training programmes. Findings drive improvements in supplier management, contract terms and due diligence processes.
As part of our continuous improvement cycle we set measurable objectives for risk reduction and report progress to senior leadership. This modern slavery commitment is overseen by the Board and integrated into our broader governance framework. Our aim is to reduce vulnerability to exploitation across every link in the supply chain.
Gardeners Docklands will publish updates to this slavery and human trafficking statement annually, demonstrating transparency and accountability. We remain dedicated to preventing modern slavery in all its forms and to working collaboratively with peers, suppliers and stakeholders to uphold human rights and ethical labour standards.
