Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Heston

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Heston has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Heston is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Heston has a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We expect the same high standards from all of our suppliers, contractors, and business partners. Any involvement in, or failure to act upon, suspected modern slavery is considered a serious breach of our values and standards and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships.

We are committed to ensuring that workers are treated with dignity and respect, receive fair pay, and work in safe conditions. This commitment applies to all individuals working directly for Gardeners Heston, as well as those employed across our supply chains.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Expectations

Our supply chains include suppliers of plants, tools, equipment, landscaping materials, uniforms, and a range of contracted services. We recognise that certain sectors and regions may present higher risks of labour exploitation, and we continually assess these risks in relation to our purchasing and procurement practices.

We expect all suppliers to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to uphold standards that are consistent with our zero-tolerance policy. This includes prohibiting the use of forced, compulsory, or trafficked labour and ensuring that workers are engaged on voluntary terms, with freedom of movement and the right to leave employment.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Heston conducts proportionate due diligence on existing and potential suppliers to assess the risk of modern slavery. This includes evaluating their policies, practices, and track record on labour standards and worker welfare. Where appropriate, we request evidence of compliance and may require suppliers to complete questionnaires or provide supporting documentation.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers, either directly or through competent third parties, to verify compliance with our requirements. Audits may include site visits, worker interviews, and review of employment records. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we expect timely corrective action and may provide guidance to support improvements. Failure to remedy serious breaches may lead to the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Protection for Whistleblowers

Gardeners Heston encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any part of our supply chains.

Reports can be made confidentially through our internal reporting channels, including line managers, senior management, or designated reporting points within the business. We are committed to investigating all reports promptly and fairly and to taking appropriate action where issues are identified. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we aim to protect the confidentiality of those who speak up wherever possible.

Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement

We are working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and relevant suppliers. Training and guidance materials are used to help staff recognise potential indicators of exploitation, understand reporting procedures, and appreciate their responsibilities in preventing modern slavery.

We also monitor emerging best practice, legal developments, and guidance from relevant authorities and industry bodies, and we review our procedures to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks in our operations and supply chains.

Annual Review and Board Approval

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects the current position of Gardeners Heston and the actions we are taking to address modern slavery risks. As part of this review, we consider the effectiveness of our due diligence, audits, training, and reporting mechanisms and identify opportunities for improvement.

The Statement is approved at senior management level and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting the rights and wellbeing of all workers associated with our business and supply chains.