Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Balham Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Balham has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Balham is committed to conducting all activities ethically, transparently, and in full respect of human rights.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Gardeners Balham maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour and any practice that exploits vulnerable individuals. We expect the same high standards from everyone we work with, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and all suppliers involved in providing goods, materials, or services to our gardening and landscaping operations.
No form of coercion, debt bondage, withholding of identity documents, or restriction on freedom of movement is acceptable in any context connected to our business. Gardeners Balham will cease working with any party found to be involved in modern slavery or unwilling to remediate issues promptly and effectively.
Our Organisation and Supply Chains
Gardeners Balham provides gardening, landscaping, and related maintenance services. Our supply chains primarily include horticultural products, equipment, tools, workwear, and subcontracted services. We recognise that certain segments of these supply chains can be at higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly where seasonal work, low-skilled labour, or complex international sourcing is involved.
We are committed to understanding these risks and taking proactive measures to address them, both within our direct operations and further upstream in our supply chains.
Supplier Standards and Audits
We require our suppliers and contractors to adhere to lawful, ethical and humane employment practices. As part of our procurement and onboarding processes, we assess whether suppliers have robust policies on labour rights, working conditions, and modern slavery prevention.
Gardeners Balham undertakes risk-based supplier reviews and audits to verify compliance with our expectations. These reviews may include requests for documentation, self-assessment questionnaires, and on-site visits where appropriate. Where higher risk is identified, we will carry out more detailed checks and request evidence of corrective actions.
If a supplier is found to be in breach of our zero-tolerance policy, we will work with them to address the issues within clear timeframes. Should they fail to implement satisfactory improvements, we will reconsider, suspend or terminate the relationship.
Training, Awareness and Employee Responsibilities
We aim to ensure that relevant members of our team understand what modern slavery is, how to identify warning signs, and how to respond to concerns. Guidance is provided during induction and through ongoing internal communications so that staff remain aware of their responsibilities.
Managers involved in recruitment, procurement, and supplier management are expected to remain vigilant to potential indicators of exploitation, such as inconsistent wage payments, restriction of movement, or workers who appear intimidated or unable to speak freely.
Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns
Gardeners Balham encourages anyone who becomes aware of, or suspects, modern slavery or related abuses in our operations or supply chains to report their concerns promptly. Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing to line managers or senior management. Reports can be made in confidence, and we will handle all concerns sensitively and, where possible, anonymously.
We will investigate any allegation of modern slavery thoroughly and take appropriate action. We will not tolerate any victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. Gardeners Balham will review this Modern Slavery Statement at least once a year, or more frequently if there are significant changes in our operations or risk profile.
The annual review will consider the effectiveness of our policies, risk assessments, supplier audits, training activities and reporting mechanisms. Where necessary, we will enhance our procedures, strengthen contractual requirements, and engage more closely with suppliers and workers to improve transparency and protection.
This statement reflects our current position and outlines our continuing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in every part of Gardeners Balham and our supply chains.
