Gardeners Shepherd's Bush Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Shepherd's Bush is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, with integrity, and in full respect of human rights. This statement applies to all staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Shepherd's Bush.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
Gardeners Shepherd's Bush adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, and child labour. Any form of exploitation is fundamentally incompatible with our values and the standards we expect from those who work with us. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, organisation, or supplier involved in such practices and will terminate relationships where credible evidence of non-compliance is identified and not swiftly remedied.
All employees, regardless of role or seniority, are required to uphold this policy. Managers are responsible for promoting awareness of the zero-tolerance approach and for ensuring that working practices within their teams are consistent with our commitment to ethical labour.
Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of gardening materials, equipment, uniforms, maintenance services, and other business support services. We expect all suppliers to operate to the same high ethical standards that we apply internally. This includes compliance with all relevant employment, health and safety, and human rights legislation in the jurisdictions where they operate.
We incorporate modern slavery and human rights expectations into our supplier selection and review processes. Where appropriate, we require suppliers to confirm that they have their own policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery and that they monitor their own supply chains.
Gardeners Shepherd's Bush conducts proportionate supplier audits and checks based on risk. These may include requests for information on recruitment practices, worker contracts, payment processes, and the use of labour agencies. Where risks are identified, we may require corrective action plans, follow-up assessments, or, in serious cases, the ending of the commercial relationship.
Employee Awareness and Reporting Channels
We seek to create a workplace culture in which concerns about modern slavery and unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. All staff are encouraged to be vigilant to signs of exploitation and to report any suspicions promptly.
Employees can report concerns through their line manager or senior management. Concerns may relate to our own operations, to a colleague, to a contractor, or to any supplier or third party associated with Gardeners Shepherd's Bush. Reports can be made openly or, where appropriate, anonymously in line with our internal reporting procedures.
We will investigate all reports of suspected modern slavery sensitively and thoroughly. Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities. We will never tolerate victimisation of any person who raises a concern in good faith, and disciplinary action may be taken against anyone who retaliates against a whistleblower.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Gardeners Shepherd's Bush recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to identifying and managing modern slavery risks in our business and supply chains.
This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by our leadership team to assess its effectiveness and relevance. The review will consider any incidents reported, outcomes of supplier audits, changes in legislation or guidance, and feedback from employees and stakeholders.
Where improvements are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to further strengthen our defences against modern slavery. The updated statement will be approved at a senior level and communicated internally and externally to ensure transparency about our commitments and actions.
By maintaining robust standards, clear expectations, and open reporting channels, Gardeners Shepherd's Bush aims to play its part in eradicating modern slavery and upholding the dignity and rights of all workers connected to our business.
