Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Pentonville Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Pentonville in respect of the financial year to which it relates. It sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains.

Gardeners Pentonville recognises that modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. We are committed to conducting all aspects of our business ethically and responsibly and to working with partners who share and uphold these values.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Pentonville provides gardening, grounds maintenance, and related services. Our activities include direct employment of staff and the use of selected suppliers and subcontractors for materials, equipment, specialist services, and seasonal labour. Our supply chains span sectors such as horticulture, tools and machinery, uniforms and workwear, facilities management, and professional services.

We acknowledge that some areas of our sector and supply chains may present higher risks of modern slavery, particularly where there is use of low-skilled, temporary, or migrant labour, or where goods are sourced from regions with weaker labour protections. We are committed to taking proactive steps to understand and mitigate these risks.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners Pentonville operates a clear zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. This applies to our own operations, our direct suppliers, and any third parties working on our behalf.

All employees, contractors, suppliers, and other business partners are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Any breach of this policy may lead to termination of contracts or other appropriate action, including reporting to relevant authorities.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical conduct and who can demonstrate compliance with modern slavery legislation and best practice. Our supplier standards include expectations in relation to freely chosen employment, fair working conditions, and respect for human dignity.

As part of our supplier management processes, we are developing and implementing the following measures. We will risk assess new and existing suppliers, taking into account the nature of goods or services, the location of operations, and the use of subcontracted or temporary labour. We will communicate our zero-tolerance policy to suppliers and require confirmation of their own policies and procedures to prevent modern slavery. Where appropriate, we will conduct audits or request evidence of independent audits to verify compliance with our standards. If concerns arise, we will engage with suppliers to implement corrective actions and, where necessary, suspend or cease relationships.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Pentonville encourages anyone who has concerns about potential modern slavery, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains, to report them without delay. Concerns may be raised through internal management channels, via our whistleblowing procedures, or through any other appropriate reporting route.

We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith are not subjected to any form of retaliation. All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and, where possible, kept confidential. We will investigate concerns promptly and take appropriate action, which may include working with suppliers to address issues, terminating relationships, and reporting matters to the relevant authorities.

Training and Awareness

To support the effective implementation of this statement, we provide training and guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and people management. Training covers recognition of modern slavery indicators, responsible purchasing practices, and the use of reporting channels.

We also seek to raise awareness across our organisation so that all colleagues understand the importance of vigilance, know how to spot warning signs, and feel confident to speak up if they have concerns.

Monitoring, Governance and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior leadership of Gardeners Pentonville. They ensure that our policies, procedures, and due diligence activities remain appropriate to the scale and nature of our operations.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business, emerging risks, and developments in legislation and best practice. As part of the annual review, we will assess the effectiveness of our actions, consider feedback from stakeholders, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Pentonville reaffirms its commitment to playing its part in eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking and to conducting its business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights.