Gardeners Barbican Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Barbican in accordance with applicable modern slavery legislation. It outlines the steps we are taking to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Barbican is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly, respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Barbican operates in the gardening, horticulture, and grounds maintenance sector, working with a range of suppliers that provide plants, materials, equipment, uniforms, and contracted services. Our supply chain includes domestic and international partners, some of which operate in sectors or regions that may present a higher risk of labour exploitation. We recognise our responsibility to understand these risks and to take proactive steps to mitigate them.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners Barbican has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual involved in such practices and we are prepared to terminate relationships where credible evidence of modern slavery is found and not promptly and effectively remedied.

Our expectations are communicated through our internal policies, supplier standards, and contractual terms. These documents set out minimum requirements for ethical labour practices, fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for human rights.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

To support our zero-tolerance stance, Gardeners Barbican undertakes due diligence on existing and prospective suppliers. This may include requesting information about labour practices, reviewing policies, and assessing compliance with local labour laws and recognised international standards. Where appropriate, we conduct on-site visits or request third-party verification of labour conditions.

We reserve the right to carry out supplier audits, either announced or unannounced, to verify adherence to our modern slavery and ethical trading requirements. These audits may examine recruitment practices, wages and working hours, worker documentation, and grievance procedures. Where non-compliance is identified, we work with suppliers to implement corrective action plans and monitor progress. Persistent or serious breaches may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Barbican provides relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement and supplier management, with training and guidance on modern slavery risks. This training helps colleagues identify warning signs, understand reporting channels, and appreciate the importance of ethical sourcing. We aim to foster a culture where respect for human rights is integral to everyday decision-making.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have concerns about possible modern slavery or unethical practices connected to Gardeners Barbican. Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting channels or via our whistleblowing procedures, which allow individuals to report issues in confidence and without fear of retaliation.

All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly by appropriate personnel. Where necessary, we may engage external experts or authorities. We are committed to protecting those who raise genuine concerns and to taking appropriate remedial action where wrongdoing is identified.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Barbican recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing process. We are committed to reviewing and improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence activities to respond to evolving risks and best practices. We monitor the effectiveness of our approach through supplier assessments, audit findings, incident reports, and feedback from employees and stakeholders.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by senior management. As part of the review, we consider changes to our operations, emerging risk areas in our supply chains, and the outcomes of any investigations or audits conducted over the previous year. Where necessary, we update our policies, training, and contractual terms to strengthen our controls and to enhance protection for workers.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Barbican, who are responsible for ensuring its implementation across our business and for driving continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery and protect human rights.