Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Kenton

Gardeners Kenton is committed to conducting every aspect of its work with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the measures we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and other forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. As a responsible gardening service provider, we recognise that even low-risk industries must remain vigilant, especially when working with seasonal labour, outsourced services, and multiple suppliers. Our zero-tolerance policy applies across all activities, and we expect the same standard from everyone who works with us.

Our commitment to ethical practice

We understand that modern slavery can appear in many forms, including debt bondage, coercion, withheld wages, and the abuse of vulnerable workers. For Gardeners Kenton, preventing these practices is not simply a compliance exercise; it is part of our wider duty to operate ethically. We use clear employment standards, lawful contracts, and fair working conditions to reduce risk. Where appropriate, we provide training so managers and supervisors can identify warning signs and respond quickly.

Our approach begins with due diligence. We assess suppliers, subcontractors, and labour providers before entering into agreements, paying particular attention to the use of temporary workers, accommodation arrangements, and recruitment practices. Gardeners Kenton expects every partner to comply with applicable employment law, pay requirements, and health and safety rules. If a supplier cannot demonstrate responsible practice, we will not proceed with the relationship.

Supplier oversight and audits

Supplier monitoring is central to our prevention framework. We carry out supplier audits based on risk, scale, and service type, with higher scrutiny applied to providers that rely on seasonal or manual labour. These audits may include document checks, workforce verification, and reviews of wage records, right-to-work evidence, and subcontracting arrangements. Where concerns arise, we require prompt corrective action and may suspend or terminate contracts if necessary. Zero tolerance is not a slogan; it is an enforced standard.

We also ask suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or underage labour and that they maintain their own reporting mechanisms. This shared responsibility helps strengthen our supply chain and supports transparent business relationships. In addition, we keep records of assessments and audit outcomes so that trends can be reviewed and risks can be managed proactively.

Reporting channels and response

Gardeners Kenton encourages workers, contractors, and third parties to raise concerns at the earliest opportunity. Reporting channels are available through management, formal incident logs, and internal escalation routes that allow concerns to be reviewed confidentially and without retaliation. Allegations are taken seriously and handled with discretion. If modern slavery is suspected, we will investigate promptly, preserve evidence where appropriate, and cooperate with relevant authorities or specialist support organisations when required.

Our reporting culture is built on trust, confidentiality, and protection from victimisation. We aim to ensure that anyone who notices unusual recruitment practices, signs of control, unexplained wage deductions, or restrictions on movement can speak up safely. This is especially important in supply chain environments where hidden exploitation may otherwise go unnoticed. By maintaining clear internal processes, we help ensure that every concern is assessed fairly and acted upon.

Training and awareness

We provide periodic awareness sessions for relevant staff so they can recognise indicators of risk and understand what action to take. Training covers topics such as document irregularities, signs of coercion, poor living conditions, and suspicious recruitment fees. Awareness is reinforced through management oversight and routine communication so that our people remain alert to the responsibilities that come with working in a service business.

Annual review and continuous improvement are essential to the credibility of this statement. Gardeners Kenton reviews its modern slavery controls once every year, or sooner if laws, risks, or operating conditions change. The review considers supplier audit results, reported concerns, remediation actions, and any lessons learned. This process helps us identify where controls can be strengthened and ensures that our statement remains accurate, relevant, and effective.

Our annual review process

Each year, we examine whether our policies, supplier checks, and reporting arrangements are working as intended. If improvements are needed, we update procedures, expand audit scope, or introduce additional training. We believe that continuous vigilance is the best defence against exploitation. Through ongoing review and a steadfast commitment to ethical standards, Gardeners Kenton aims to protect workers, maintain responsible partnerships, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in all that we do.