Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Holloway

Gardeners Holloway is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the principles and controls that guide our operations, helping us ensure that forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery have no place in our work or supply chain. Our zero-tolerance policy applies across every level of the organisation, from management to operational teams and external suppliers.

We recognise that the landscaping and gardening sector can involve complex labour arrangements, seasonal staffing, and multi-layered procurement. For that reason, Gardeners Holloway maintains a proactive approach to risk management. We expect all employees, contractors, and business partners to act ethically and to comply with labour laws, employment standards, and our internal standards. Any breach of these expectations is treated as a serious matter.

Our commitment is not limited to written policy. We require ongoing due diligence, contract controls, and monitoring to identify risks early and respond decisively. The Gardeners Holloway modern slavery statement is reviewed as part of our broader governance framework, ensuring that our procedures remain relevant, practical, and effective in preventing exploitation.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Modern slavery is wholly incompatible with our values. Gardeners Holloway will not knowingly engage with any individual or organisation involved in slavery, servitude, trafficking, or exploitative recruitment practices. If any concern arises, we take immediate action, which may include investigation, suspension of work, termination of contracts, or referral to the appropriate authorities.

To support this position, we embed ethical standards into recruitment, onboarding, and procurement. Workers must be employed voluntarily and receive clear information about pay, duties, and working conditions. We do not permit retention of identity documents, unlawful deductions, intimidation, or restrictions on movement. These measures help protect vulnerable workers and reinforce our anti-slavery commitment.

We also promote awareness within our teams so that potential indicators can be identified promptly. Examples include inconsistent wage records, poor accommodation standards, excessive working hours, or reluctance from workers to speak freely. When such indicators appear, our response is structured, confidential, and based on safeguarding first.

Supplier Audits and Responsible Procurement

Our suppliers play an important role in the delivery of services, and we apply robust checks before and during commercial relationships. Supplier audits are used to assess labour practices, subcontracting arrangements, wage compliance, and document retention controls. Where appropriate, these audits may include site visits, evidence reviews, and follow-up assessments.

We expect suppliers to demonstrate the same standards we apply internally. Contract terms require compliance with all applicable laws and ethical labour requirements, along with a willingness to cooperate with audits and provide accurate information. If a supplier cannot meet these expectations, we will not continue the relationship. This forms a central part of the Gardeners Holloway slavery prevention framework.

Audit findings are documented and used to improve procurement decisions. Where issues are identified, suppliers may be asked to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe. Persistent non-compliance results in escalation. By combining monitoring with clear consequences, we reduce exposure to risk across the supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Employee Protection

We encourage everyone connected with our business to report concerns without hesitation. Reports may relate to coercion, unsafe recruitment, wage manipulation, intimidation, or suspected exploitation anywhere in our operations or supply chain. All concerns are treated seriously and handled with discretion. Retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern is not tolerated.

Our reporting channels are designed to be accessible and trusted. Employees are informed about the routes available for raising concerns through internal procedures, line management, and designated safeguarding contacts. We aim to create an environment where people feel safe speaking up. This supports the wider culture of accountability within Gardeners Holloway.

When a report is received, we assess the issue promptly, preserve confidentiality where possible, and take proportionate action. This may involve fact-finding, supplier engagement, worker support, or involvement of external specialists. In every case, our priority is to protect people and address harm quickly and effectively.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with legal obligations and best practice. The review considers changes in our operations, supply chain risks, audit outcomes, training needs, and any reported concerns. Findings are used to strengthen controls and improve oversight year by year.

Gardeners Holloway is committed to continuous improvement in the prevention of modern slavery. We will keep refining our policies, supplier standards, and reporting systems so that our approach remains practical and robust. The goal is not only compliance, but meaningful protection for every person connected with our business.

Through this statement, Gardeners Holloway reaffirms its unwavering position: exploitation has no place in our work, our partnerships, or our future. We will continue to apply vigilance, fairness, and responsibility in everything we do.