Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Creekmouth

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Creekmouth to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery and human trafficking risks within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and are committed to operating in a manner that respects the dignity and wellbeing of every individual.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Creekmouth adopts a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, servitude, human trafficking, child labour, and any practices that exploit vulnerability or restrict freedom of movement. This applies to our own activities, our employees, contractors, and every tier of our supply chain.

We expect all parties we work with to share this commitment. Any confirmed breach of this policy may result in the termination of business relationships, remediation measures where appropriate, and the reporting of issues to relevant authorities when required by law or when it is the right course of action to protect people from harm.

Governance and Responsibility

Overall responsibility for our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior leadership of Gardeners Creekmouth. Management teams are responsible for implementing this statement within their areas, ensuring that risk assessments, training, and monitoring activities are carried out effectively.

Modern slavery considerations are integrated into our wider governance framework, including procurement, human resources, health and safety, and ethical conduct policies. We encourage a culture where employees feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Our supply chains include the sourcing of goods, materials, equipment, and services that support our gardening, landscaping, and related operations. We are committed to working only with suppliers who uphold high standards of labour and human rights practices.

Suppliers are required to comply with our ethical sourcing standards, which prohibit modern slavery, require compliance with applicable labour laws, and promote safe and fair working conditions. We communicate these requirements during onboarding and contract renewal, and we make clear that modern slavery will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

To verify compliance, we undertake a programme of supplier due diligence and audits that may include self-assessment questionnaires, review of documentation, site visits where appropriate, and follow-up action plans. Higher-risk suppliers, based on geography, sector, or the nature of services provided, are subject to enhanced scrutiny. Where risks or non-conformities are identified, we work collaboratively with suppliers to address them, while reserving the right to suspend or end relationships if issues are not adequately resolved.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Creekmouth encourages anyone associated with our business, including employees, contractors, suppliers, and their workers, to raise concerns about potential or actual modern slavery risks. Reports can be made through existing internal reporting lines, to line managers, or to senior management.

We maintain a whistleblowing framework that allows concerns to be raised confidentially and, where permitted by law, anonymously. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly and sensitively. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith or cooperate in an investigation.

Where allegations of modern slavery are substantiated, we will take appropriate corrective and remedial actions. These may include supporting affected individuals, working with specialist organisations, engaging with relevant authorities, and reviewing internal processes to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We provide targeted training to employees involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, ensuring that they understand the signs of modern slavery and know how to respond to concerns. Awareness materials are used to reinforce expectations and responsibilities across the organisation.

Gardeners Creekmouth is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to modern slavery. We review emerging guidance, regulatory developments, and industry best practices to strengthen our controls. We also seek feedback from internal and external stakeholders to enhance our processes over time.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year by the senior leadership of Gardeners Creekmouth. The annual review considers any reported incidents, outcomes of supplier audits, feedback from stakeholders, training effectiveness, and changes in the risk profile of our operations and supply chains.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we set specific objectives and incorporate them into our action plans for the following year. By doing so, we aim to strengthen our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to modern slavery risks and to uphold our commitment to responsible and ethical business practices throughout Gardeners Creekmouth and our partner network.