Gardeners Queensbury Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Queensbury in respect of the financial year ending 31 December and sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. Gardeners Queensbury recognises its responsibility to uphold human rights and is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Queensbury has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and exploitation. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation involved in such practices. This commitment applies to our own operations, our employees, contractors, and all tiers of our supply chain.

We expect everyone working with or for Gardeners Queensbury to share this commitment and to conduct business in a way that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals. Any breach or suspected breach of our policy will be treated seriously and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Queensbury provides gardening and related services. Our supply chains primarily include providers of plants, tools, machinery, workwear, consumables, and support services. While we consider our sector to be relatively low risk, we recognise that no supply chain is completely free from the risk of modern slavery and we therefore maintain proactive and proportionate controls.

Supplier Standards and Due Diligence

We require our suppliers and service providers to comply with all applicable laws relating to labour, employment, and human rights, including modern slavery legislation. As part of our due diligence, new suppliers are assessed on their ethical standards, labour practices, and transparency. We reserve the right to request information from suppliers about their own policies, training, and risk management processes relating to modern slavery.

Where appropriate, we seek contractual assurances from suppliers that they do not engage in, or tolerate, modern slavery or human trafficking and that they will in turn apply the same standards to their own supply chains.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Gardeners Queensbury carries out risk-based monitoring of its suppliers. Higher-risk suppliers may be subject to additional scrutiny, including requests for documentation, declarations of compliance, and, where viable, site visits or audits. These audits may review working conditions, recruitment practices, worker documentation, and grievance mechanisms.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will work with them, where possible, to address and remediate the issues within a reasonable timeframe. If meaningful improvement is not made, or if serious violations are identified, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Gardeners Queensbury encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking in our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised with a manager, through internal reporting channels, or directly to a senior member of the management team.

All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. No individual will suffer any detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith. Where appropriate, concerns may be reported to relevant enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Training and Awareness

We seek to raise awareness among our employees and key suppliers about the risks of modern slavery and how to identify potential indicators of exploitation. Relevant staff may receive guidance on recognising warning signs, understanding reporting routes, and supporting a culture of ethical practice.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Queensbury is committed to continually improving its approach to preventing modern slavery. We review our policies, supplier controls, and risk assessment processes on an annual basis, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation or identified risks.

This Statement is approved by the management of Gardeners Queensbury and will be reviewed and updated each year to reflect our ongoing efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chains.