Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Waddon
Gardeners Waddon is committed to operating with integrity, fairness, and respect for every individual involved in our work. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and any form of exploitation within our business and supply chain. We recognise that gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance can involve multiple suppliers, seasonal labour, and subcontracted services, which makes vigilance essential. Our approach is guided by a zero-tolerance policy and a clear expectation that ethical conduct must be reflected in every decision we make.
We treat the prevention of slavery and exploitation as a shared responsibility across all levels of the organisation. Managers, team leaders, and procurement staff are expected to identify risks early, act promptly, and support a culture where concerns are taken seriously. Gardeners Waddon requires all colleagues to follow ethical working practices, respect lawful employment standards, and ensure that no person is pressured, deceived, or exploited in connection with our services.
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to direct employment, agency labour, subcontractors, and the suppliers we rely on for plants, materials, tools, and support services. We do not knowingly work with any individual or organisation involved in forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, or other abusive practices. Where a concern is identified, we will investigate it without delay and take appropriate action, which may include ending a relationship, suspending orders, or requiring corrective measures.
Supplier Standards and Risk Management
Supplier due diligence is central to our modern slavery controls. Before engaging new suppliers, Gardeners Waddon carries out proportionate checks based on the nature of the goods or services provided, the country of origin, and the level of labour risk involved. We expect suppliers to uphold lawful employment conditions, provide accurate records, and confirm that their own supply chains are free from exploitation. Our purchasing teams monitor risk indicators such as unusually low pricing, poor transparency, restricted worker movement, or signs of coercion.
We also conduct supplier audits on a risk-based basis. These audits may include document reviews, workforce verification, site visits, and follow-up assessments where necessary. If a supplier cannot demonstrate compliance with our standards, we will work with them to improve conditions where possible. However, if remedial action is not taken or if serious concerns remain unresolved, Gardeners Waddon will not continue the relationship. This commitment helps protect workers and strengthens the integrity of our supply chain.
Our controls are supported by internal training and clear accountability. Staff involved in procurement, scheduling, and site supervision receive guidance on identifying warning signs of exploitation and on escalating issues quickly. We also encourage responsible recordkeeping so that labour arrangements, contractor status, and supplier claims can be reviewed accurately. By combining training with oversight, Gardeners Waddon reduces the risk of modern slavery appearing in day-to-day operations.
Reporting Channels and Safeguarding
We recognise that workers and contractors may be reluctant to speak up if they fear retaliation or uncertainty about the process. For that reason, Gardeners Waddon maintains confidential reporting channels so that concerns about poor treatment, coercion, unsafe conditions, or suspicious labour practices can be raised safely. Reports may be submitted through line management, designated safeguarding leads, or internal escalation procedures. All concerns are handled sensitively and investigated promptly.
Anyone raising a concern is supported and protected from victimisation. We do not tolerate intimidation, dismissal, or disadvantage because a person has reported a possible breach in good faith. If an issue involves immediate risk to a worker, priority action is taken to secure welfare and prevent further harm. Where appropriate, we will also involve relevant authorities or specialist support services to ensure that concerns are addressed responsibly.
Safeguarding is embedded in our wider standards of conduct. We expect anyone representing Gardeners Waddon to act with honesty, to challenge suspicious practices, and to cooperate with investigations. This includes refusing to ignore warning signs and reporting concerns even when they involve a valued supplier or a difficult operational issue. Ethical practice is not optional; it is part of how we define quality and professionalism.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. The review considers any incidents reported, the findings of supplier audits, changes in our operations, and emerging risks within the industries we work with. Where improvements are identified, we update policies, training, and monitoring measures accordingly.
Gardeners Waddon is committed to continuous improvement in the prevention of modern slavery. We will strengthen our due diligence where risk increases, refine audit methods, and improve staff awareness so that our standards remain robust. Our aim is to maintain a supply chain and workplace built on dignity, transparency, and accountability. Through careful oversight and modern slavery prevention measures, we seek to ensure that every part of our business reflects our values.
By upholding this statement, Gardeners Waddon reaffirms its commitment to lawful, ethical, and responsible operations. We believe that every worker deserves fair treatment and that every supplier relationship should support, not undermine, human rights. This commitment will continue to shape our practices as we work to keep modern slavery out of our business and supply chain.