Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Elmstead

Gardeners Elmstead is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and accountability. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by our gardening business to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that the landscaping and gardening sector can involve multiple contractors, seasonal workers, and product suppliers, which creates potential risks. For that reason, zero tolerance remains the foundation of our approach.

As a trusted Elmstead gardening team, we expect every person working with or for us to uphold ethical standards. Our commitment applies to all activities, including procurement, subcontracting, and on-site service delivery. We do not accept any form of coercion, deception, debt bondage, or child labour. Any breach of this position is treated as a serious matter and may result in the termination of contracts, suspension of supplier relationships, or other corrective action.

To reduce risk, Gardeners Elmstead carries out due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This includes reviewing company backgrounds, assessing labour practices, and confirming that suppliers understand our expectations regarding lawful employment and fair working conditions. Where appropriate, we request evidence of policies, worker right-to-work checks, and wage compliance. Our aim is to ensure that every gardening supplier and subcontractor supports an ethical supply chain.

We also maintain supplier audits as part of our ongoing monitoring programme. These reviews may be scheduled or unannounced, depending on the level of risk and the nature of the service or goods provided. Audits focus on recruitment methods, working hours, pay practices, accommodation standards where relevant, and the treatment of migrant or temporary workers. If concerns are identified, we require prompt remediation and may increase monitoring until compliance is demonstrated.

Reporting channels are essential to identifying and addressing concerns early. Gardeners Elmstead encourages employees, contractors, and suppliers to raise any suspicion of modern slavery, unsafe recruitment, or exploitation without fear of retaliation. Reports can be made through internal management routes and are handled discreetly and objectively. All allegations are investigated, documented, and escalated where necessary. We understand that hiding misconduct enables abuse, so we promote a culture in which speaking up is supported and protected.

Our Elmstead garden services training and internal controls help staff recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withheld wages, signs of intimidation, and inconsistent employment records. Managers are expected to remain alert to these indicators during recruitment, site visits, and supplier engagement. The business reinforces the principle that ethical conduct is not optional; it is embedded in how we plan work, select partners, and manage day-to-day operations.

Where risks are identified, we act proportionately and decisively. This may include conducting follow-up checks, requesting additional documentation, ending a relationship with a supplier, or informing the relevant authorities if required. Our anti-slavery controls are designed not only to respond to incidents, but to prevent them through careful oversight and responsible decision-making. We expect our partners to share this commitment and to maintain the same standards across their own supply chains.

The responsibility for upholding this statement sits with senior management, who oversee compliance and ensure that policies remain effective. However, every member of the organisation plays a part in identifying risks and maintaining standards. We expect consistent behaviour that reflects the values of Gardeners Elmstead, particularly when working with vulnerable workers, independent contractors, and suppliers from different jurisdictions.

To keep our approach current, Gardeners Elmstead will carry out an annual review of this statement and the controls that support it. That review will consider changes in legislation, supply chain risk, audit findings, training needs, and any incidents reported during the year. Improvements will be made where necessary to strengthen prevention, detection, and response. By revisiting our controls each year, we reinforce our long-term commitment to ethical practice and to eliminating exploitation from our operations.