Gardeners Watford Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement is made on behalf of Gardeners Watford in relation to the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Watford provides gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance services to residential and commercial customers in and around Watford and is committed to conducting business responsibly, ethically, and in full compliance with applicable laws.
Our Zero Tolerance Approach
Gardeners Watford has a clear zero tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, servitude, and any form of exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or supplier involved in such practices. All workers engaged by or on behalf of Gardeners Watford must be working freely, receive fair remuneration, and be treated with dignity and respect.
We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with. Our zero tolerance stance is communicated to employees, temporary workers, subcontractors, and suppliers as part of our onboarding and ongoing business relationships. Any breach of this principle is treated as a serious misconduct issue and may result in termination of contracts or partnerships.
Our Supply Chains
Our supply chains primarily include plant nurseries, tool and equipment providers, uniform and workwear suppliers, waste management contractors, and other gardening related service providers. While our business is of a relatively modest size and operates mainly within the United Kingdom, we recognise that risks can exist at any level of the supply chain, particularly where goods or components may originate from higher risk regions or sectors.
We aim to work with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate responsible labour practices and transparent sourcing. We continually assess where the risk of modern slavery may be higher, such as in the sourcing of horticultural products, tools, and personal protective equipment.
Supplier Due Diligence and Audits
Gardeners Watford conducts proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers and subcontractors. This may include requesting information on their employment practices, reviewing their own modern slavery statements or policies where available, and seeking assurance on how they manage labour risks within their own supply chains.
Where we identify areas of potential risk, we may carry out more detailed checks. These can include site visits, requesting documentary evidence of right to work and wage payments for workers, and asking for clarification about sourcing routes. We reserve the right to conduct or commission audits of suppliers where there are concerns that modern slavery risks may be present. If a supplier is unable or unwilling to demonstrate suitable standards or improvements, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Gardeners Watford encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and customers to raise any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may include observations of suspicious behaviour, unreasonable working conditions, signs of coercion or control, or any indication that someone may be a victim of modern slavery.
Reports can be made in person to a manager or supervisor, in writing to the company management, or through any established internal reporting procedure. Individuals raising concerns will be listened to and their reports will be treated seriously and sensitively. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is later found to be mistaken.
Where appropriate, we will work with relevant authorities or external agencies to investigate and address credible concerns relating to modern slavery.
Training and Awareness
To support effective implementation of our zero tolerance policy, Gardeners Watford aims to raise awareness of modern slavery risks among those who are in a position to identify concerns. This may include providing guidance to managers, supervisors, and staff who manage supplier relationships or who work directly at customer premises.
We promote a culture of vigilance in which staff feel confident to question suspicious situations, seek advice, and escalate issues promptly. Over time, we aim to enhance our understanding of modern slavery indicators within the gardening and landscaping sector and adapt our procedures accordingly.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of the measures described in this statement. Gardeners Watford will review this Modern Slavery Statement at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, our business operations, or our supply chains.
The annual review will consider any reported incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, and feedback from employees and stakeholders. Where weaknesses or new risks are identified, we will take appropriate action to strengthen our controls, enhance due diligence, or update our policies and procedures. Our objective is to continually improve our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to modern slavery risks.
This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Watford and will be made available to staff, suppliers, and customers. It represents our ongoing commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships.
