Gardeners Berrylands Modern Slavery Statement

Our Commitment to Ethical Practices

Gardeners Berrylands is committed to conducting all aspects of our business in an ethical, responsible and transparent manner. We recognise that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation are serious global issues that require proactive and sustained action. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent and address the risk of modern slavery within our operations and our supply chains.

We are dedicated to continuous improvement and to working collaboratively with our employees, suppliers and wider stakeholders to uphold human rights and protect vulnerable individuals. This statement applies to all parts of Gardeners Berrylands and to all individuals working for or on behalf of our business in any capacity.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Berrylands operates a strict zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with, or support, any organisation or individual involved in practices that constitute modern slavery or exploitative labour. This approach underpins our decisions on recruitment, procurement, and ongoing business relationships.

All managers are responsible for promoting and enforcing this zero-tolerance position within their areas of control. If we identify any instance of non-compliance, we will act promptly, which may include terminating contracts, reporting concerns to relevant authorities and taking steps to support affected individuals where appropriate.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include providers of plants and gardening materials, equipment, tools, uniforms, transport, and other goods and services that support our day-to-day operations. We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to human rights, fair working conditions and ethical trading.

We communicate our expectations on modern slavery to current and prospective suppliers. As part of our contractual arrangements, suppliers are required to comply with all relevant labour and human rights legislation and to ensure that modern slavery has no place in their own operations or supply chains. We reserve the right to review and update these requirements as legislation and best practice evolve.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Berrylands undertakes proportionate due diligence on suppliers, focusing on those that operate in higher risk sectors or regions. Our approach may include pre-engagement assessments, ongoing monitoring and targeted audits, either conducted directly by us or through third parties where appropriate.

During supplier audits we may review employment practices, worker documentation, recruitment procedures, accommodation arrangements and grievance mechanisms. Where any concerns or areas for improvement are identified, we expect suppliers to implement corrective actions within agreed timeframes and to provide evidence of progress. We may reassess or, where necessary, discontinue relationships with suppliers that fail to demonstrate adequate commitment to tackling modern slavery.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to raise any concerns about suspected modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected with Gardeners Berrylands. Concerns can be reported through internal management channels or through existing whistleblowing procedures that protect individuals from retaliation.

All reports are taken seriously and will be treated confidentially to the extent possible. We will investigate concerns promptly and impartially, and we will take appropriate action where issues are substantiated. This may include engaging with suppliers to address identified risks, supporting external investigations or implementing internal remedial measures.

Training, Awareness and Responsibilities

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who ensure that appropriate policies, processes and resources are in place. Managers in relevant functions, such as procurement and human resources, receive guidance on identifying risk indicators and on applying our due diligence measures.

We promote awareness among staff so they can recognise potential signs of modern slavery and understand how to report concerns. Training is periodically reviewed to ensure it remains relevant to the nature and scale of our operations.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Gardeners Berrylands is committed to reviewing the effectiveness of our actions to prevent modern slavery on a regular basis. We monitor key areas such as supplier performance, reported concerns and outcomes of investigations or audits. Lessons learned are used to strengthen our controls and inform updates to our policies and procedures.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business, legal requirements and best practice standards. The updated statement is approved by senior management and made available to stakeholders so that our commitment and progress remain transparent and accountable.