Gardeners Ealing Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Ealing is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the measures taken by Gardeners Ealing Ltd, the gardeners of Ealing and our associated teams to identify, prevent and respond to any risk of forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking or other exploitation. Our commitment is clear: we operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of modern slavery.

Our zero-tolerance approach applies to everyone engaged with the company, including direct employees, contractors and third-party suppliers. We require adherence to the highest ethical standards and expect all partners to meet or exceed our policies. Any breach of this policy will result in immediate investigation and corrective action, up to termination of contractual relationships where necessary.

This statement covers Gardeners Ealing, Gardeners of Ealing and Ealing gardeners working on behalf of the organisation. It describes the steps taken in the reporting period to reduce the risk of modern slavery, including due diligence, supplier audits, training, reporting channels and ongoing monitoring. We are committed to transparency and continual improvement and will publish updates to this statement annually.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We carry out risk-based due diligence on suppliers and sub-contractors. Our procurement and compliance teams evaluate potential partners against clear criteria that include labour practices, worker rights and workplace conditions. Gardeners in Ealing are required to work only with suppliers who share our values and commitments.

Supplier audits are a core part of our prevention strategy. Audits combine document reviews, on-site inspections and supplier self-assessments. Typical elements of our supplier audit programme include:

• Verification of working hours and pay records;
• Checks on recruitment practices and third-party labour providers;
• Interviews with workers to ensure there is no coercion or withholding of documents;
• Assessment of accommodation and welfare where provided by suppliers;
• Remediation plans and timelines for any identified issues.

Where issues are identified, Gardeners Ealing applies proportional corrective actions. In severe cases or where suppliers fail to remediate, we will cease to do business with that supplier.

Reporting Channels and Training

All staff, contractors and suppliers are encouraged to report concerns. We maintain multiple secure reporting channels so that issues can be raised confidentially and, where requested, anonymously. Our whistleblowing and reporting channels are independently managed and accessible without fear of retaliation. We will investigate all reports promptly and take appropriate remedial steps.

To support awareness and prevention, Gardeners Ealing runs regular training for staff and key suppliers. Training covers how to identify signs of modern slavery, steps to escalate concerns, and the ethical standards expected of suppliers. Managers and procurement staff receive additional training on supplier audits and remediation processes.

We also have clear governance: senior leadership takes responsibility for compliance, and a designated compliance officer oversees the implementation of this statement. Records of audits, investigations and corrective actions are maintained to ensure traceability and accountability.

Monitoring, escalation and remediation processes ensure persistent follow-up with any supplier showing non-compliance. Gardeners of Ealing will work collaboratively with suppliers to remediate issues where possible, offering targeted support and clear timelines. However, for breaches that pose serious risks to workers, we will immediately suspend or terminate relationships in line with our zero-tolerance commitment.

We recognise that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardeners Ealing will continue to strengthen supplier audits, refine our risk assessments, and broaden training so that all teams and partners understand their obligations. Our aim is to build resilient, transparent supply chains that protect worker rights and dignity.

As part of our accountability framework we will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually. The annual review will assess the effectiveness of our policies, procedures and due diligence, identify opportunities for improvement and establish targets for the following year. Updates will reflect changes in our operations, lessons learned from investigations and evolving best practice in the prevention of modern slavery.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Ealing reaffirms a firm and enduring commitment to uphold human rights across all activities. We expect all colleagues, contractors and suppliers to share this commitment and to act promptly to raise concerns and support remediation where needed.