Gardener Shadwell is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing slavery, forced labour and human trafficking in all parts of our operations and supply chain. We recognise our responsibility to ensure that every worker is treated with dignity and respect and that exploitation has no place in our business or with our partners.
Our commitment and zero-tolerance policy
Gardener Shadwell operates a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of modern slavery. This anti-slavery stance is embedded in our company values and communicated across our staff and suppliers. We maintain a clear Anti-slavery statement that declares we will not engage, tolerate or turn a blind eye to forced labour, child labour or debt bondage in any part of our activities.
We require all employees and contractors to report concerns, and we take swift action where breaches are suspected. Our slavery and human trafficking statement explains disciplinary measures, remediation where appropriate, and cooperation with enforcement authorities. The policy applies to every member of staff and to all third-party relationships, from direct suppliers to sub-contractors.
We implement regular supplier audits and risk assessments to identify areas where modern slavery risks may be present. These supplier audits include documentation verification, worker interviews where feasible, and on-site checks. Suppliers must sign contractual commitments to our Modern Slavery Policy and are monitored on compliance with labour standards, working hours, and fair remuneration practices.
Our procurement team employs a risk-based approach: higher-risk categories and geographies receive more intensive scrutiny. We require corrective action plans from suppliers where deficiencies are found and reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships if improvements are not made. These controls are part of our broader approach to responsible sourcing and ethical supply chain management.
Reporting channels and confidential whistleblowing
We provide multiple reporting channels for concerns about forced labour or exploitation, recognising that accessibility is essential. Employees and third parties can raise issues through internal reporting lines, anonymised hotlines, and discussion with designated welfare officers. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly; retaliation is prohibited. We also provide training so people know how to recognise and report abuse.
Training and awareness are key elements of our preventive measures. Staff and relevant suppliers receive mandatory training on the signs of exploitation and on our reporting procedures. We encourage a culture of vigilance and care: line managers are trained to respond sensitively to disclosures and to escalate matters according to our internal protocols.
Our due diligence processes are complemented by contractual clauses requiring suppliers to comply with our Modern Slavery Policy, permit audits, and maintain records. We use a combination of self-assessment questionnaires and independent audits, and track corrective actions through an escalation framework. Key performance indicators include audit completion rates, remedial actions closed, and training completion percentages.
Annual review, monitoring and continuous improvement
Gardener Shadwell conducts an annual review of its slavery and human trafficking statement and related policies to ensure they remain effective and reflect operational changes. This review assesses audit outcomes, reports received through our reporting channels, and lessons learned from investigations. We publish a revised modern slavery statement each year that summarises progress and sets targets for improvement.
In summary, our modern slavery and anti-slavery approach is comprehensive: a clear zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels, continuous staff training, and a formal annual review cycle. Gardener Shadwell is committed to preventing exploitation in any form and to working collaboratively with partners to uphold human rights across our business and supply chains.