Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Lee

Gardeners Lee is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the risk of exploitation can exist in any sector, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery.

Our approach applies to all areas of the business, including procurement, subcontracting, seasonal labour, and the sourcing of goods and services. The Gardener Lee anti-slavery commitment is embedded in our recruitment practices, supplier expectations, and internal controls. We expect every person working with us to uphold the same ethical standards and to act with integrity at all times.

We also require suppliers to confirm that they do not use child labour, exploit vulnerable workers, or engage in deceptive recruitment practices. If a concern arises, we investigate promptly and take appropriate action. This may include corrective measures, contract review, suspension, or termination where necessary to protect people and preserve trust across the Gardener Lee supply chain.

Our suppliers are assessed using risk-based controls designed to identify higher-risk categories, countries, and labour arrangements. As part of our due diligence, we may request policy documents, workforce records, and evidence of ethical recruitment practices. Where risks are elevated, we conduct supplier audits to review working conditions, wage practices, right-to-work checks, and freedom of movement.

These audits are intended to confirm compliance and to encourage continuous improvement. Gardeners Lee slavery prevention efforts include follow-up reviews where action plans are required. We do not rely solely on contractual promises; instead, we seek reasonable assurance through documentation, site checks, and ongoing engagement with suppliers and contractors.

Training is provided to relevant staff so that they can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, withheld documents, coercive supervision, or unusual payment arrangements. Internal processes are reviewed to ensure that recruitment, onboarding, and purchasing decisions do not create conditions that could enable exploitation. Our Gardener Lee modern slavery controls are designed to be practical, proportionate, and effective.

We encourage a culture in which concerns can be raised early and without fear. Reporting channels are available for employees, contractors, and suppliers to disclose suspected misconduct, unethical conduct, or signs of forced labour. Reports may be made through internal management routes or through designated safeguarding and compliance procedures, and all concerns are handled sensitively and investigated thoroughly.

Any person who raises a concern in good faith will be protected from retaliation. When issues are reported, we assess the facts, document findings, and decide on appropriate next steps. The Gardeners Lee modern slavery statement is supported by a commitment to transparency, responsible decision-making, and timely escalation of serious concerns.

Where we identify a breach of our standards, we will work with the relevant party to remedy the problem where possible. However, if a supplier refuses to cooperate or evidence suggests deliberate exploitation, we will take decisive action. This may include stopping work, ending relationships, or notifying the relevant authorities where required by law.

Our governance framework includes an annual review of this statement and the controls that support it. Each year, we assess risk exposure, review supplier performance, examine reported concerns, and update our approach in line with legal changes and operational developments. This ensures that the Gardener Lee slavery statement remains current, credible, and aligned with best practice.

The review also considers whether additional staff training, stronger procurement checks, or more frequent audits are needed. We are committed to continual improvement and to strengthening safeguards over time. By maintaining clear standards, robust oversight, and accountable processes, Gardeners Lee works to prevent modern slavery from entering any part of its operations or supply network.

In summary, this statement reflects our ongoing responsibility to protect workers, uphold ethical business conduct, and ensure that the services and materials connected to Gardeners Lee are sourced responsibly. Our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels, and annual review form the foundation of a serious and sustained response to modern slavery risks.