Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Crossness

Gardeners Crossness is committed to conducting all activities with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can appear in many forms, including coercion, debt bondage, restricted movement, and child labour, and we take a zero-tolerance policy toward any practice that undermines dignity or freedom.

As a responsible landscaping and grounds maintenance business, Gardeners Crossness understands that our supply chain may include a wide range of goods and services, from plants and materials to subcontracted support and transport. We expect every partner to share our ethical standards and to uphold lawful, fair, and safe working conditions. This statement applies to all employees, managers, contractors, and suppliers associated with our work.

Our commitment begins with prevention. We assess risk across purchasing, recruitment, and outsourced services to identify where vulnerability may exist. Particular attention is paid to sectors and geographies where labour exploitation may be more likely. By embedding due diligence into procurement decisions, Gardeners Crossness aims to reduce exposure to modern slavery risks and to support ethical sourcing throughout the business.

Supplier oversight is a central part of our approach. We carry out supplier audits and periodic reviews to confirm that partners meet our standards on labour rights, working hours, pay, and freedom from coercion. Where concerns arise, we request corrective action, further documentation, or enhanced monitoring. If a supplier cannot demonstrate compliance, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.

All new suppliers are expected to confirm adherence to our ethical requirements before engagement. We may ask for evidence of worker age checks, employment terms, site safety practices, and subcontractor management. In higher-risk cases, we may increase scrutiny through interviews, site visits, or document verification. These controls help Gardeners Crossness maintain a transparent and accountable supply chain.

Training is provided to relevant staff so they can recognise warning signs such as restricted identity documents, unusual dependence on third parties, poor accommodation conditions, or inconsistent wage records. Managers are encouraged to act promptly if concerns are identified, and all decisions are guided by the principle that the protection of people comes before commercial convenience.

We also provide clear reporting channels so concerns about suspected slavery, trafficking, or unethical conduct can be raised without fear of retaliation. Reports may be made internally through line management or through designated safeguarding and compliance routes. Allegations are treated seriously, handled confidentially where appropriate, and investigated promptly in line with our internal procedures.

Anyone raising a concern in good faith will be protected from victimisation or disadvantage. If an issue is substantiated, Gardeners Crossness will take appropriate action, which may include remediation, supplier intervention, workforce support, or referral to the relevant authorities. We believe that effective reporting arrangements are essential to a culture of accountability and respect.

Our responsibilities do not stop at written policy. We monitor performance, review incidents, and use findings to strengthen controls. This includes checking whether procurement decisions, subcontracting arrangements, and staffing practices continue to align with our commitment to human rights. By combining prevention, oversight, and response, we reinforce our modern slavery prevention framework across the organisation.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with legal obligations and operational changes. The review considers audit outcomes, training completion, identified risks, and any improvements needed in our supply chain controls. Updates may be made sooner if significant risks or incidents emerge.

Gardeners Crossness is dedicated to continuous improvement and to acting with responsibility in every aspect of our work. We expect our teams and suppliers to share this commitment and to help maintain a business environment free from exploitation. Through vigilance, ethical procurement, and strong oversight, we work to uphold a genuinely slavery-free standard in everything we do.

This Gardeners Crossness Modern Slavery Statement reflects our ongoing determination to protect workers, promote fair treatment, and ensure that our operations remain consistent with the highest ethical principles.