Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Covent Garden Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Covent Garden to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard the people who contribute to our services and products.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Covent Garden has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, from our directly employed team members to temporary workers, contractors, and all tiers of our supply chain. We expect the same standards from all parties we work with and reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships with any organisation or individual found to be in breach of this stance.

Our zero-tolerance approach is reflected in our internal policies, our supplier standards, and the way we assess new and existing relationships. We are committed to continual improvement and to embedding respect for human rights throughout our culture and decision-making.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, packaging, logistics, and a range of professional and operational services. We recognise that certain sectors and geographies carry a higher risk of labour exploitation, and we pay particular attention to these areas when conducting our due diligence.

Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety laws. We expect them to prohibit forced or compulsory labour, ensure that all work is voluntary, and guarantee that workers have the freedom to leave employment with reasonable notice. We do not tolerate the use of child labour and require that all workers are employed in accordance with minimum age and working hour laws.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We conduct proportionate due diligence prior to entering into relationships with new key suppliers and we review existing suppliers on a risk basis. Our approach includes assessing the nature of the goods or services provided, the country of origin, and known sector risks for modern slavery and human trafficking.

Where appropriate, we carry out audits of suppliers to verify compliance with our standards. These audits may be conducted directly by Gardeners Covent Garden or by independent third parties. We review employment practices, recruitment methods, worker documentation, accommodation where provided, and health and safety arrangements. If issues are identified, we work with the supplier to agree a corrective action plan with clear timelines. Persistent non-compliance or serious breaches may lead to termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Raising Issues

We are committed to ensuring that all workers, whether employed directly by Gardeners Covent Garden or engaged through our supply chain, can raise concerns safely and without fear of retaliation. Team members are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery or exploitation through internal reporting channels, including their line manager or designated senior management contacts.

We also expect our suppliers to maintain their own confidential reporting mechanisms, enabling workers to speak up about poor treatment, withholding of wages or documents, unsafe conditions, or any indication of coercion or trafficking. Any concern raised with Gardeners Covent Garden will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and managed with sensitivity and confidentiality wherever possible. Where appropriate, we will refer matters to relevant authorities.

Training, Awareness, and Accountability

We provide targeted training to relevant employees, particularly those who manage suppliers, recruitment, or procurement activities. Training covers the signs of modern slavery, the risks within supply chains, and how to report and respond to concerns. We expect managers to lead by example and to demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach in their day-to-day decisions.

Responsibility for overseeing our modern slavery programme sits with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources are allocated and that our policies remain effective. Performance and progress are reviewed regularly as part of our wider ethical and compliance framework.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Covent Garden is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to combat modern slavery. We monitor emerging best practice, legislative changes, and industry guidance to strengthen our procedures. Feedback from employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders is used to refine our approach and address any gaps that are identified.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis to reflect our ongoing work and any significant developments in our business or supply chains. It is approved at senior management level and published to ensure transparency and accountability. By maintaining and reviewing this statement each year, Gardeners Covent Garden reaffirms its commitment to respecting human dignity and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.