Gardeners North End Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners North End has taken, and continues to take, to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are not taking place within our business operations or supply chains. Gardeners North End recognises its responsibility to uphold and promote human rights and to act ethically in all areas of its work.

Modern slavery is a crime and a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners North End has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of modern slavery within its own activities and across its network of suppliers, contractors, and business partners.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners North End is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for the dignity of all individuals. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation involved in modern slavery or human trafficking. Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers who work with or on behalf of Gardeners North End.

All individuals associated with Gardeners North End are expected to act in accordance with this policy and with our wider ethical and social responsibility standards. Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any breach by a supplier or contractor may result in the termination of contracts or business relationships.

Supply Chain Standards and Supplier Audits

Gardeners North End recognises that the risk of modern slavery can be higher within complex or extended supply chains. To reduce this risk, we are committed to working only with suppliers who share our values and comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.

As part of our supplier due diligence, we seek to assess the labour practices and ethical standards of current and prospective suppliers. This includes, where appropriate, carrying out audits or requesting evidence of compliance with modern slavery and human rights requirements. We expect suppliers to demonstrate that they provide safe working conditions, respect workers rights, and do not tolerate forced labour, child labour, or human trafficking.

Where risks are identified, we work with suppliers to address and remedy any concerns. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to take corrective action, Gardeners North End will consider terminating the relationship to protect workers and uphold our values.

Reporting Concerns and Speaking Up

Gardeners North End encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We want employees, workers in our supply chain, and other stakeholders to feel confident in raising concerns about potential modern slavery or human rights abuses without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be raised through our established internal reporting channels or directly to line managers or senior management. Reports can be made confidentially where requested and will be handled sensitively. Every report of suspected modern slavery will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated where appropriate.

No individual who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any detriment, even if the concern is not substantiated. We are committed to ensuring that anyone who reports an issue is protected and supported throughout the process.

Training, Awareness, and Accountability

Gardeners North End is working to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among staff whose roles may involve procurement, supplier management, or recruitment. Relevant employees receive information and guidance on how to identify indicators of modern slavery and how to respond if concerns arise.

Managers are responsible for promoting ethical standards within their teams and for ensuring that the zero-tolerance policy is understood and applied in day-to-day decisions. Accountability for implementing and monitoring this statement ultimately rests with the leadership of Gardeners North End.

Monitoring and Annual Review

Gardeners North End recognises that combating modern slavery requires ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement. We regularly review our practices, supplier relationships, and risk assessments to ensure that our approach remains effective and proportionate.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually to reflect developments in legislation, changes in our business activities, and feedback from stakeholders. As part of the annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our supplier audits, due diligence processes, and reporting mechanisms, and we will identify opportunities to strengthen our controls and training.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners North End reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of its business and to working collaboratively with employees, suppliers, and partners to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct.