Gardeners Newbury Park Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Newbury Park is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold the highest standards of human rights and ethical conduct in all aspects of our business and to work only with partners who share these values.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Newbury Park has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, human trafficking, child labour, and servitude. We do not accept or condone any practice that exploits individuals or undermines their fundamental rights and freedoms. This applies equally to our direct operations, our workforce, and every part of our supply chain.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act with integrity and in full compliance with this policy and all applicable laws. Any actual or suspected instance of modern slavery associated with our business is treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, as well as referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Ethical Supply Chain Management and Supplier Audits

We understand that the greatest risks of modern slavery often exist within complex supply chains. To manage these risks, Gardeners Newbury Park is committed to working only with suppliers who can demonstrate respect for human rights, fair working conditions, and lawful employment practices.

Our approach to suppliers includes due diligence at the point of selection and through ongoing monitoring. We seek information about labour practices, recruitment processes, use of subcontractors, and compliance with employment legislation. Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits that may include site visits, document reviews, and discussions with management and workers to verify working conditions and identify any indicators of exploitation.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards on modern slavery or unable to evidence adequate safeguards, we will seek corrective action within a defined timeframe. Failure to remedy concerns to our satisfaction may result in the suspension or termination of our relationship with that supplier.

Policies, Training, and Employee Responsibilities

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, and health and safety. These policies are communicated to staff as part of their induction and reinforced through periodic training and updates.

Managers are responsible for promoting a culture of respect and transparency, ensuring that employment practices such as hiring, working hours, and pay are fair and compliant with law. Employees are expected to remain vigilant, to question any practice that appears inconsistent with our values, and to escalate concerns through the reporting channels made available to them.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Newbury Park encourages anyone who works for us, supplies us, or otherwise engages with our business to raise concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical behaviour. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to those of a supplier or contractor.

Reports can be made confidentially through our internal reporting procedures or to a manager who will escalate the issue appropriately. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. All reports are taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated where necessary. Where concerns are substantiated, we will take swift corrective and, if required, disciplinary action, and we will cooperate with law enforcement or regulatory bodies as appropriate.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous vigilance and improvement. Gardeners Newbury Park is committed to regularly assessing the effectiveness of our policies, due diligence processes, and supplier audits, and to strengthening our approach wherever gaps or new risks are identified.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed on an annual basis by our leadership. The review considers developments in legislation, guidance, industry best practice, and any issues raised through audits, employee feedback, or reporting channels. Where necessary, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to ensure they remain robust, relevant, and effective.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Newbury Park affirms its commitment to acting ethically, sourcing responsibly, and contributing to the broader effort to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.