Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Bickley

Gardeners Bickley is committed to conducting its operations with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation within our business and supply chain. We recognise that zero tolerance must be more than a principle; it must be embedded in every decision, procurement process, and partnership we make.

Our approach applies to all areas of the business, including staff, contractors, and suppliers associated with garden services in Bickley. We understand that vulnerable workers can be exposed to coercion, debt bondage, wage withholding, or unsafe conditions. For that reason, Gardeners Bickley maintains a firm commitment to ethical recruitment, fair treatment, and compliance with all applicable labour and employment laws.

We expect every person working with or for us to uphold the same standards. The statement below outlines the practical measures we use to identify, prevent, and address risks linked to modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.

Our zero-tolerance policy is central to our governance framework. Any credible indication of slavery, servitude, or forced labour is treated as a serious matter requiring immediate investigation and action. Where concerns are substantiated, we will take proportionate steps, which may include suspending a supplier relationship, reporting matters to the relevant authorities, and supporting remediation for affected individuals. This policy is communicated to staff and suppliers so that expectations are clear from the outset.

To support this commitment, Gardeners Bickley carries out supplier audits and due diligence checks on a risk-based basis. These reviews consider labour practices, recruitment methods, wage arrangements, working hours, subcontracting controls, and the origin of products or materials. Higher-risk suppliers may be subject to enhanced scrutiny, documentary checks, or site visits. We also seek confirmation that suppliers maintain their own ethical standards and that they do not knowingly use coerced, trafficked, or underage labour.

We recognise that risks can evolve over time, especially where supply chains become more complex. As a result, our procurement process includes ongoing monitoring rather than one-time approval. Any supplier unable to meet our standards will be required to implement corrective action, and continued non-compliance may lead to termination of the relationship.

Equally important are the reporting channels available to raise concerns. Gardeners Bickley encourages anyone connected with the business to report suspected misconduct promptly and in good faith. Concerns may be raised internally through management or designated compliance routes, and all reports are handled sensitively. We aim to protect whistleblowers from retaliation and to ensure that issues are reviewed fairly, confidentially, and without delay.

Awareness is strengthened through staff communication and internal training appropriate to role and responsibility. Those involved in hiring, purchasing, or managing suppliers are expected to understand signs of exploitation and the importance of ethical decision-making. This helps ensure that the values of Gardeners Bickley are reflected not only in written policy, but also in everyday practice.

We also consider modern slavery risks when reviewing subcontracting, seasonal labour, and materials sourced through multiple tiers. By maintaining visibility over these arrangements, we can better identify where controls need to be improved and where additional verification may be required.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with legal and operational changes. The annual review assesses incidents, audit findings, supplier performance, staff training needs, and any emerging risks. Where improvements are identified, action plans are updated and responsibilities are assigned to ensure progress is measurable.

The review process also allows us to strengthen our modern slavery prevention framework each year. We may refine supplier questionnaires, improve due diligence procedures, expand awareness training, or introduce additional controls based on the outcome of the review.

Gardeners Bickley believes that ethical business practice is essential to long-term trust. By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance stance, conducting supplier audits, providing accessible reporting channels, and carrying out an annual review, we continue to work toward a supply chain and workplace free from exploitation.