Gardeners Cockfosters Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Cockfosters to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect and uphold human rights and to act ethically in all areas of our work.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Cockfosters has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, child labour, and exploitation. We are committed to conducting our business in a way that ensures workers are treated with dignity, paid fairly, and employed voluntarily. Any form of coercion, abuse, or inhumane treatment is strictly prohibited within our organisation and among those who supply goods or services to us.

All employees, managers, and contractors are expected to uphold this commitment. Any breach of our zero-tolerance approach will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter and may result in termination of employment or business relationships.

Governance and Responsibility

The senior management of Gardeners Cockfosters holds overall responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery and ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place. Management regularly reviews the effectiveness of our measures and promotes awareness of modern slavery risks throughout the business.

Managers are responsible for implementing this statement in their areas of control and for ensuring that staff understand and comply with our standards.

Risk Assessment and Supply Chain Due Diligence

We recognise that risks of modern slavery may exist within supply chains, particularly where seasonal, manual, or low-skilled labour is used, or where products and materials are sourced from higher risk regions. Gardeners Cockfosters undertakes ongoing risk assessments of our suppliers and service providers to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

As part of our due diligence, we seek to work with suppliers and partners who demonstrate a shared commitment to ethical practices. We communicate our expectations clearly and reserve the right to end relationships with suppliers who fail to meet our standards or who refuse to engage constructively with our requirements.

Supplier Audits and Compliance

Gardeners Cockfosters carries out proportionate checks and audits of suppliers based on risk. These may include requests for information about labour practices, working conditions, recruitment processes, and use of subcontractors. Where appropriate, we may seek additional documentation, conduct site visits, or request independent verification.

If any indication of non-compliance with our modern slavery standards is identified, we will investigate, seek to address the issue promptly, and, where necessary, require corrective action plans. Continued non-compliance may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that relevant staff understand the signs of modern slavery and the steps to take if concerns arise. Training and awareness initiatives focus on those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management, so that they can identify risks more effectively and act appropriately.

We also encourage open discussion within the business about ethical sourcing, labour standards, and human rights, reinforcing our culture of integrity and responsibility.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Cockfosters encourages employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised to a line manager or a senior member of management. Reports can be made confidentially, and no one will suffer any detriment for raising a concern in good faith.

All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Where necessary, we will work with appropriate external bodies or authorities to address any substantiated issues.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardeners Cockfosters is committed to continually improving our systems, policies, and practices to reduce the risk of exploitation in our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to assess its effectiveness, reflect changes in our business or regulatory environment, and identify opportunities for further improvements. Updated statements will outline any new measures introduced and progress made during the previous year.

This statement reflects the commitment of Gardeners Cockfosters to act ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to prevent modern slavery in every part of our organisation and supply chain.