Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Kew

Gardeners Kew is committed to conducting every part of its operations with integrity, dignity and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Kew to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking within our business and across our supply chains. Our approach is grounded in a clear zero-tolerance policy, supported by responsible procurement, staff awareness and ongoing due diligence.

Our commitment and governance

We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms and can affect workers at any stage of a supply chain. For that reason, Gardeners Kew requires all employees, contractors and suppliers to uphold ethical standards that protect people from exploitation. Senior management is responsible for overseeing compliance, ensuring that anti-slavery controls are implemented, monitored and improved. This includes reviewing higher-risk areas and making sure that decisions about suppliers reflect our values.

To reinforce our position, we expect all business relationships to comply with laws and practices that prohibit exploitation. If a concern is identified, it is treated seriously and investigated promptly. Any supplier or partner found to be involved in modern slavery may face corrective action, suspension or termination of the relationship. We believe that a strong statement must be supported by practical measures, not just policy language.

Supplier due diligence and audits

Our supplier management process is designed to identify risk before it becomes harm. Gardeners Kew undertakes proportionate checks on new and existing suppliers, especially where labour risk may be higher due to geography, subcontracting or workforce structure. As part of our controls, we may request declarations, review labour practices and assess documentation relating to employment terms, recruitment and working conditions. Supplier audits are conducted where appropriate, with attention to indicators such as wage compliance, working hours, freedom of movement and retention of identification documents.

When concerns are found, we work with suppliers to correct deficiencies within agreed timeframes. However, the commitment of Gardeners Kew is clear: where a supplier cannot or will not address serious issues, we will not continue the relationship. Our due diligence is not static; it evolves as risks change across industries and regions. This helps ensure that our gardeners, landscapers and associated procurement channels remain aligned with ethical labour standards.

We also encourage transparency throughout the supply chain. Suppliers are expected to flow down equivalent standards to their own subcontractors and labour providers. By doing so, Gardeners Kew reduces the risk of hidden exploitation and strengthens accountability from the point of origin to final delivery.

Reporting channels and staff awareness

Everyone working with or for Gardeners Kew has a role in identifying and preventing abuse. We provide reporting channels that allow concerns to be raised in good faith and without fear of retaliation. Concerns may relate to unsafe recruitment practices, coercion, debt bondage, document retention, underpayment or any situation suggesting forced labour. Reports are reviewed confidentially and escalated according to their seriousness. Where appropriate, we may involve external experts or relevant authorities.

Training and awareness are important parts of our anti-slavery framework. Staff involved in procurement, supplier management and operational oversight receive guidance on recognising warning signs and responding appropriately. This helps ensure that modern slavery risks are understood not only at the policy level but in everyday decision-making. Gardeners Kew expects a culture of vigilance, where questions are welcomed and concerns are addressed promptly.

We also use contract terms and supplier communications to reinforce these expectations. By combining reporting mechanisms with staff training, we create a system that supports early intervention and continuous improvement. The aim is not only compliance, but meaningful protection for workers connected to our activities.

Our commitment to combating modern slavery is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant and proportionate to our operations. The annual review considers any incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, legal developments and changes in risk exposure. This process allows Gardeners Kew to refine its controls and strengthen safeguards where needed.

Continuous improvement

The review process also supports accountability at leadership level. It ensures that the Gardeners Kew Modern Slavery Statement reflects current practice rather than a one-time commitment. Where improvements are identified, action plans are created and tracked to completion. In this way, the company maintains an active, measurable and responsible response to modern slavery risks.

Through a firm zero-tolerance policy, targeted supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review cycle, Gardeners Kew demonstrates its commitment to ethical conduct and the protection of human rights across its business and supply chain.