Gardener Upminster Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Upminster publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm its commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation in our operations and supply chains. This Gardener Upminster modern slavery policy sets out a clear, zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and outlines the actions we have taken and will continue to take to reduce risk. We recognise our responsibility and make a public and internal commitment to detect, prevent and remedy abuses where they occur.

Our approach to a modern slavery statement for Gardener Upminster is built on continuous risk assessment, staff training and transparent governance. We require all employees, contractors and partners to comply with our standards and to raise concerns through the established reporting channels. The company adopts strict on-boarding checks and regular workforce reviews to ensure compliance with labour laws and ethical employment practices.

To put our policy into practice we undertake robust supplier due diligence and supplier audits. Suppliers are assessed at tender and periodically reviewed. Key elements include:

• Verification of labour standards and working conditions;
• Evidence of lawful recruitment and pay records;
• Site visits and independent audits where necessary.

We make use of a risk-based audit programme that prioritises partners in higher-risk sectors and geographies. Our audits combine documentary review, on-site assessment and interviews to evaluate compliance. Where issues are identified we require time-bound corrective action plans and follow-up checks; persistent non-compliance may lead to contract termination as part of our zero tolerance stance.

Reporting channels are essential to our prevention and remediation strategy. We maintain multiple ways for concerns to be raised, ensuring confidentiality and protection from retaliation. Staff and third parties can report issues through internal channels and secure anonymous mechanisms. Our reporting framework emphasises accessibility: anyone who suspects exploitation or unethical behaviour is encouraged to report, and all reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly.

Prevention and Training

Education is central to the Gardener Upminster modern slavery policy. We provide mandatory training for all employees, management and procurement teams so that they can recognise signs of modern slavery and respond appropriately. Training includes case studies, escalation protocols and practical guidance on supplier engagement. We also train key suppliers to ensure awareness of their obligations under our code of conduct.

We emphasise collaboration with suppliers to promote continuous improvement. Our contractual terms require suppliers to adhere to ethical labour standards, permit audits and implement corrective actions. Supplier performance metrics are integrated into procurement decisions and our purchasing teams are instructed to consider social risk alongside price and quality when awarding contracts.

Governance, Monitoring and Annual Review

Gardener Upminster has designated senior responsibility for modern slavery compliance. The Board reviews performance annually and approves this statement. We commit to an annual review of our policies, risk assessments and audit findings to strengthen our controls and adapt to emerging risks. Outcomes from each annual review inform the next year’s priorities and resource allocation.

To ensure transparency, we document incidents, investigations and remediation steps. Where victims are identified, we prioritise immediate protection, remediation and cooperation with authorities. Our remediation approach is survivor-centred and seeks to restore dignity and payment for lost earnings where relevant. The policies are regularly updated and embedded into procurement, HR and operations to maintain consistency across the organisation.

In conclusion, Gardener Upminster’s slavery statement reaffirms our zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in all forms. We will continue to strengthen supplier audits, maintain secure reporting channels, and conduct an annual review of our performance and practices. Our commitment is ongoing: we will monitor, report and improve to ensure that our business and supply chain remain free from forced labour and exploitation.

By publishing this modern slavery declaration and implementing the measures described, Gardener Upminster aims to lead by example and drive positive change across the sectors in which we operate. We will continue to use risk-based supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and an annual review cycle to protect workers and uphold ethical standards throughout our supply chain.