Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Gardeners Queen's Park in respect of the current financial year. 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 our supply chains.
Our Business and Values
Gardeners Queen's Park provides gardening, landscaping, and related maintenance services. We work with a range of suppliers for plants, materials, tools, and seasonal labour support. Our core values are respect, fairness, and responsibility, and we are committed to ensuring that our business is conducted ethically and transparently.
We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation through unfair working conditions. We are determined that such practices have no place in our own operations or in those of the suppliers and contractors with whom we work.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
Gardeners Queen's Park has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This means we will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation that is involved in, or turns a blind eye to, such practices. Any actual or suspected instance of modern slavery connected to our business will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in immediate termination of a contract or working relationship.
We expect everyone working for or with Gardeners Queen's Park, including employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers, to uphold this commitment. Our position is clearly communicated in our internal policies, onboarding materials, and supplier expectations.
Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
We understand that the greatest risk of modern slavery is likely to exist within complex supply chains, particularly where there are multiple tiers of subcontracting or where goods and materials originate from higher-risk regions or sectors. To address this, we have implemented a risk-based due diligence process.
Before entering into new supplier relationships, we assess the nature of the goods or services provided, the geographical location of operations, and the labour practices that may be involved. We require suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws and that they actively work to prevent modern slavery in their own supply chains.
Where appropriate, we conduct audits of suppliers, which may include requesting documentation on employment practices and, where feasible, site visits. If an audit or assessment reveals concerns, we will work with the supplier to develop corrective action plans with clear timescales. If improvements are not made, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Gardeners Queen's Park encourages a culture of openness where concerns about unethical behaviour, including modern slavery and human trafficking, can be raised without fear of retaliation. All employees, workers, contractors, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business or supply chains.
Concerns can be raised directly with line managers, senior management, or via established internal reporting routes. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled as confidentially as possible. We will not tolerate victimisation or detrimental treatment of any person who raises a concern in good faith, even if it is not ultimately substantiated.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to building awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and key suppliers. Relevant staff are provided with information on how to recognise the signs of exploitation, how to respond to concerns, and how to escalate issues appropriately. We also remind managers and supervisors of their responsibility to remain alert to risks within recruitment, subcontracting, and day-to-day working arrangements.
Gardeners Queen's Park is committed to continuous improvement in our approach. We will continue to review our processes and controls, taking into account emerging best practice, changes in legislation, and feedback from stakeholders.
Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing our response to modern slavery risks rests with the senior management of Gardeners Queen's Park. They are accountable for ensuring that our policies are implemented effectively and that any incidents or concerns are addressed without delay.
This statement and the underlying policies, due diligence processes, and training measures are reviewed at least once every year. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the effectiveness of our actions, consider any incidents reported, assess the outcomes of supplier audits, and identify further steps to strengthen our approach. Where needed, we update our procedures and expectations to ensure they remain robust and aligned with our zero-tolerance stance.
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Queen's Park and will be updated annually to reflect our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery in all aspects of our business and supply chains.
