Gardeners Dalston Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Gardeners Dalston in respect of the current financial year. It sets out the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains.

Our Business and Values

Gardeners Dalston provides gardening, landscaping, and related services, working with a range of suppliers for plants, materials, equipment, and ancillary services. Our values are rooted in respect, fairness, and responsibility to people and the environment. We believe that everyone working within our business and throughout our supply chains should be treated with dignity and have their fundamental human rights upheld.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Dalston has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, or child labour. This applies to all aspects of our business and to every organisation we engage with. We will not knowingly work with any supplier, contractor, or business partner that violates or is unable to demonstrate compliance with this policy.

All staff, including permanent, temporary, agency, and contract workers, are expected to act in line with this commitment. Any breach of our zero-tolerance stance may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or business relationships where appropriate.

Our Supply Chain Standards

We aim to build trusted, transparent relationships with our suppliers and business partners. As part of our onboarding and ongoing management processes, we communicate our expectations clearly. Suppliers are required to ensure that employment is freely chosen, that working conditions are safe and hygienic, that working hours are reasonable, and that wages meet or exceed applicable legal requirements.

We expect suppliers to maintain their own systems and controls to prevent modern slavery and to cascade equivalent standards to their own subcontractors and partners.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Dalston undertakes proportionate due diligence on suppliers, prioritising those in higher risk categories based on geography, sector, and type of work. This may include pre-engagement questionnaires, requests for policies and certifications, and confirmation of compliance with applicable labour and human rights laws.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of selected suppliers, either announced or unannounced, to verify compliance with our modern slavery standards. Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we will work collaboratively with the supplier to develop corrective action plans and follow up on implementation. If serious or repeated breaches are identified, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Dalston encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking linked to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting lines, directly with line managers, senior management, or other designated contacts within the company.

We take all reports seriously and will investigate them promptly and sensitively. We are committed to protecting individuals who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation, retaliation, or any detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks within our organisation. Relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment, receive guidance on identifying potential indicators of modern slavery and the steps to take if concerns arise.

We aim to embed respect for human rights and ethical labour practices into our day-to-day decision-making and culture.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Dalston recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We regularly monitor our policies, risk assessments, and due diligence processes to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed and updated annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, industry practices, or the nature of our operations. The annual review considers any incidents, audit findings, supplier feedback, and emerging best practice, with the aim of continually improving our approach.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Dalston, who are responsible for its implementation and oversight throughout the business.