Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Kenton Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps that Gardeners Kenton has taken, and continues to take, 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 against any form of modern slavery.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners Kenton provides gardening and related services, working with a range of suppliers for plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. Our supply chain includes local and regional suppliers as well as distributors and manufacturers based in the United Kingdom and, in some cases, overseas. We recognise that certain sectors and geographies may present higher risks of labour exploitation, and we assess these risks as part of our ongoing due diligence.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners Kenton has a clear zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour. We do not tolerate any form of exploitation in our own operations or within our supply chain. Compliance with this position is a condition of doing business with Gardeners Kenton. Any employee, contractor, or supplier found to be involved in, or knowingly facilitating, modern slavery will face appropriate action, which may include termination of employment or contract and reporting to relevant authorities.

Supplier Standards and Ethical Expectations

We expect all suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety laws, and to ensure that work is freely chosen, working conditions are safe, and workers are treated with dignity and respect. We communicate our expectations during supplier onboarding and through ongoing engagement to reinforce our zero-tolerance policy.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Kenton conducts proportionate due diligence on suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher risk categories or locations. This may include pre-appointment checks, requests for supporting documentation, and ongoing monitoring of performance against our ethical standards. We reserve the right to carry out supplier audits, announced or unannounced, to verify compliance with our anti-slavery expectations. Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to implement corrective action plans. If satisfactory improvement is not achieved within agreed timescales, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage openness and support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith about modern slavery or human trafficking. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspected breach of this Statement or related policies to their manager, a senior member of the management team, or via any designated internal reporting route made available to them. Reports may be made confidentially, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed through appropriate remedial action.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Kenton is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among employees, especially those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Relevant staff are provided with guidance to help them recognise warning signs of exploitation and understand how to respond and escalate concerns. We also reinforce expectations through internal communications and management briefings to support a culture of vigilance and responsibility.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We regularly review the effectiveness of our modern slavery prevention measures and seek opportunities for improvement. This includes monitoring supplier performance, evaluating the outcomes of audits and investigations, and considering external developments in legislation and best practice. We are committed to learning from experience and enhancing our procedures over time to better identify, prevent, and address risks of modern slavery.

Annual Review and Approval

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains accurate, relevant, and reflective of the steps we are taking. The review considers changes in our operations, supply chain, and regulatory environment. The updated Statement is approved by the senior management of Gardeners Kenton and published as our formal commitment to combating modern slavery within our business and supply chains.