Gardeners Preston Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Preston to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships, ensuring that labour standards are upheld and that the rights and dignity of every individual are respected.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Preston has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form. We do not tolerate any practices that are inconsistent with fundamental human rights, whether in our own activities or in those of our suppliers and contractors. All decisions and commercial relationships are guided by this commitment.

Every person working with or for Gardeners Preston is expected to uphold this policy. This includes owners, managers, employees, agency workers, contractors, and any third party acting on our behalf. Breaches of this policy may result in the termination of contracts or working relationships, and where appropriate, referral to relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Preston operates as a provider of gardening, landscaping, and related services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, tools, equipment, uniforms, vehicles, and associated services. We recognise that certain sectors and geographic locations may present a higher risk of labour exploitation, and we therefore monitor our supply chains with particular care.

We work to build long-term, transparent relationships with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical conduct and fair treatment of workers. We expect our suppliers to adhere to all relevant labour, human rights, and health and safety laws in the countries where they operate.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardeners Preston requires its key suppliers and contractors to confirm that they do not engage in, or support, modern slavery and human trafficking. We communicate our expectations clearly and require suppliers to demonstrate that they have appropriate policies, procedures, and controls in place to prevent exploitation.

Where appropriate, we conduct audits or request evidence of compliance from suppliers. This may include questionnaires, site visits, or the provision of documentation that shows adherence to labour standards and ethical sourcing practices. If concerns arise during an audit or review, we will work with the supplier on corrective actions. Where a supplier is unwilling or unable to improve, we reserve the right to end the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Preston encourages anyone who has concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical working practices linked to our business to raise them as soon as possible. Concerns can be reported to a manager or a senior member of the business, or through existing internal reporting channels. All reports are taken seriously and treated sensitively.

We are committed to protecting individuals who report concerns in good faith. No person will suffer retaliation or detrimental treatment for raising a genuine concern about modern slavery, even if it is later found to be unsubstantiated. Where appropriate, we will cooperate fully with law enforcement and relevant agencies.

Training and Awareness

We promote awareness of modern slavery and the indicators of exploitation among our management and relevant staff. Training and guidance are provided so that those responsible for procurement, recruitment, and site management can recognise risks and act promptly. This helps ensure that our policies are effectively implemented in everyday decision-making.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Preston is committed to continually improving its approach to preventing modern slavery. We monitor our practices and review our risk assessments regularly to identify areas where additional safeguards or improvements may be required.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed on an annual basis by our leadership team to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and effective. The review considers changes in legislation, guidance, operational activities, and any issues identified through audits or reporting channels. Updates to this statement or related policies are communicated internally and to relevant external stakeholders as needed.

This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Preston and represents our ongoing commitment to ethical business conduct and the protection of human rights throughout our operations and supply chains.