Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Lea Bridge Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Lea Bridge has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking from occurring within our operations and supply chains. It applies to all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Lea Bridge.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Lea Bridge operates a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships, and to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or in any of our supply chains.

All individuals working for or on behalf of Gardeners Lea Bridge are expected to uphold this commitment. Any breach of this policy by employees may result in disciplinary action, which could include dismissal. Any breach by suppliers or contractors may result in the termination of contracts or business relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Lea Bridge provides gardening and related services, and our supply chains include the procurement of tools, equipment, plants, materials, uniforms, and outsourced services. We recognise that certain sectors and regions present a higher risk of modern slavery, and we focus particular attention on those areas when assessing and monitoring our suppliers.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and contractors to share our values and comply with our standards on human rights and labour practices. As part of our supplier onboarding process, we require suppliers to confirm that they do not engage in modern slavery and that they comply with relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

Gardeners Lea Bridge undertakes proportionate, risk-based supplier audits and assessments. These may include site visits, review of employment documentation and practices, and discussions with management and, where appropriate, workers. Where we identify potential risks or areas for improvement, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timelines for implementation. Failure to address identified concerns may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide training and guidance to relevant employees to help them understand modern slavery risks and recognise indicators of exploitation. This includes those involved in procurement, contract management, recruitment, and site supervision. Our objective is to ensure that staff know how to identify potential issues and what steps to take when concerns arise.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Lea Bridge encourages a culture of openness where concerns about modern slavery, unethical conduct, or any breach of this statement can be raised without fear of retaliation. All employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicions or evidence of modern slavery in our operations or supply chains through our established internal reporting channels.

Reports may be made to line managers or designated senior management representatives. Concerns will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and, where possible, confidentially. We will investigate all reports promptly and thoroughly and take appropriate remedial and disciplinary action where necessary.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Lea Bridge is committed to continually improving our approach to preventing modern slavery. We monitor the effectiveness of our measures through supplier assessments, incident reporting, and feedback from employees and other stakeholders. We adjust our policies and procedures when needed to strengthen our safeguards.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as best practice. Any significant changes in our business operations or supply chains will also trigger an interim review. Following each review, we will update this statement as appropriate and communicate any material changes to our staff and relevant partners.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Lea Bridge and constitutes our Modern Slavery Statement for the current financial year.