Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Church End

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps that Gardeners Church End has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not present in our operations or supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to act ethically and with integrity in all our business relationships and to implement effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of modern slavery.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, debt bondage, child labour, and all practices that deny individuals their freedom and fundamental rights. Gardeners Church End is committed to upholding these rights for everyone who works directly for us or indirectly through our suppliers and partners.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Church End has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any form of exploitation in our organisation or within any part of our supply chain. This commitment is endorsed by senior management and is embedded in our wider approach to ethical conduct, safeguarding, and human rights.

We expect all individuals working for or on behalf of Gardeners Church End, in any capacity, to share this zero-tolerance stance. Any breach of this policy will be treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or working arrangements, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include providers of goods, materials, and services that support our activities. We are committed to working only with suppliers who uphold high standards of labour practice and demonstrate a commitment to preventing modern slavery.

We communicate our expectations clearly to current and prospective suppliers. As a condition of doing business with Gardeners Church End, suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, employment, and human rights, and to operate in a manner consistent with our zero-tolerance policy.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

To reduce the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains, we conduct due diligence on suppliers that are considered to present higher risk due to sector, geography, or the nature of the goods and services supplied. This due diligence may include requests for information about labour practices, policies, and procedures, as well as declarations of compliance with modern slavery legislation.

Where appropriate and proportionate, Gardeners Church End may carry out supplier audits or request evidence of independent audits undertaken by the supplier. These audits are intended to verify compliance with our requirements and to identify any indicators of forced or exploitative labour. If concerns are identified, we will engage with the supplier to agree remedial actions or, where necessary, we may end the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness is crucial to identifying and addressing the risks of modern slavery. Gardeners Church End aims to provide relevant training to staff involved in procurement, contracting, and supplier management, so they are able to identify warning signs and understand how to respond appropriately.

We also promote general awareness of modern slavery across the organisation, encouraging a culture in which ethical concerns are taken seriously and reported without fear of negative consequences.

Reporting Concerns and Safe Channels

Gardeners Church End encourages anyone with concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our operations or supply chains to raise them as soon as possible. Concerns can be reported to a line manager, a designated safeguarding lead, or another senior member of the organisation. Reports may be made confidentially, and, where legally and practically possible, the identity of the person raising the concern will be protected.

We will investigate all reports promptly and impartially. Where there is reasonable suspicion of modern slavery, we will take appropriate steps, which may include engaging with the supplier, suspending activities, seeking specialist advice, and informing relevant authorities.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Church End understands that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continuous improvement of our policies, procedures, and practices, and to learning from experience, audits, and emerging best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every twelve months to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current legislation and guidance. As part of the annual review, we will assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider any incidents or concerns raised, and identify further steps to strengthen our approach to preventing modern slavery.

This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Church End and represents our ongoing commitment to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships.