Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Palmers Green
Gardeners Palmers Green exists to deliver high-quality horticultural services while upholding the highest ethical standards. This modern slavery statement explains our commitment to eradicating exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking from our operations and supply chains. It sets out a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery, the governance arrangements that support the policy, and the practical measures we take, including training, supplier engagement and escalation to senior management.Our Policy and Commitment
We have a clear and enforceable anti-slavery policy that applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Palmers Green. Our approach is uncompromising: any confirmed instance of exploitation will trigger remedial action and may result in termination of contracts and referral to authorities where appropriate. We define modern slavery broadly to include forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and human trafficking, and we align our practices with applicable laws and recognised standards.
Scope, Responsibility and Governance
The scope of this slavery and human trafficking statement covers our UK operations, procurement activity and third-party services. Responsibility for implementation lies with senior leadership and appointed compliance coordinators who report on progress to the board. We adopt a risk-based approach, prioritising sectors, geographies and suppliers where the potential for exploitation is highest, and we integrate these considerations into purchasing and contracting processes.Due Diligence, Risk Assessment and Supplier Audits
We perform ongoing due diligence that combines desktop research, supplier self-assessments and on-site reviews where feasible. Our supplier audits examine payroll records, working hours, recruitment practices and living conditions, alongside documentary checks. Audits are scheduled according to risk level: higher risk relationships are audited more frequently and may be subject to bespoke corrective action plans until compliant.
Supplier Expectations, Contracts and Capacity Building
Contractual clauses require suppliers to comply with our modern slavery policy and to permit audits and corrective actions. We set out clear remediation steps for non-compliance, including timelines for improvement and the possibility of suspension or termination where issues are not resolved. We also invest in supplier training and capacity building to raise awareness of good practice and to help smaller partners meet standards without losing business opportunities.Key elements of our programme include:
- Supplier audits: both scheduled and ad-hoc checks to verify labour standards and documentation;
- Risk assessments: ongoing evaluation of geographic, sector and supplier-level vulnerabilities;
- Training and support: education for staff and suppliers on recognising and preventing exploitation;
- Contractual protections: clauses granting audit rights and requiring remediation;
- Whistleblowing safeguards: confidential mechanisms to report concerns without retaliation.
Reporting Channels, Confidentiality and Protection
We maintain multiple safe reporting channels for employees, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns about suspected exploitation. Reports can be made confidentially and anonymously, and they are treated seriously and investigated promptly. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and take practical steps to support affected workers, including referral to specialist services and ensuring that suppliers implement corrective measures where necessary.
Monitoring, KPIs and Continuous Improvement
Monitoring of our anti-slavery programme uses defined KPIs such as numbers of audits completed, corrective actions closed, and training participation rates. Findings from audits and investigations are analysed to identify systemic risks and inform policy updates. We apply a continuous improvement cycle: detect, remediate, learn and strengthen processes to reduce recurrence and to embed better practice across our procurement lifecycle.
