Gardeners Finsbury Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Finsbury to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Finsbury is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our relationships, and to implementing effective systems and controls to safeguard people wherever we operate or procure goods and services.
Scope and Purpose
This statement covers the activities of Gardeners Finsbury and applies to all employees, workers, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers engaged in providing goods or services to our business. Its purpose is to explain how we identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery, including forced labour, servitude, child labour, debt bondage, and human trafficking.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Gardeners Finsbury has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not tolerate any form of exploitation in our operations or within our supply chain. Any confirmed instance of modern slavery involving our business or suppliers will result in immediate and proportionate action, which may include termination of contracts, reporting concerns to relevant authorities, and supporting remediation for affected individuals where possible.
All managers are responsible for ensuring that the zero-tolerance policy is communicated, understood, and implemented in their areas of control. Employees and contractors are expected to act in accordance with this policy and to raise concerns if they suspect any breach.
Supply Chain Standards and Due Diligence
We expect all suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners to uphold the same high standards as Gardeners Finsbury. Our procurement processes require suppliers to confirm that they comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and that they do not engage in, or support, modern slavery practices.
Before entering into new supplier relationships, we assess the risk of modern slavery based on factors such as geography, sector, and the nature of goods or services provided. Higher-risk categories may be subject to enhanced due diligence, including specific questions on labour practices, workforce recruitment, and subcontracting arrangements.
Supplier Audits and Monitoring
To support our zero-tolerance approach, Gardeners Finsbury carries out supplier audits and ongoing monitoring. Audits may be conducted on site or remotely and can include document reviews, verification of worker age and employment status, and interviews with management and, where appropriate, workers.
Where risks are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timescales for improvement. Failure to demonstrate meaningful progress or refusal to cooperate with our audits may result in suspension or termination of the business relationship.
Training and Awareness
We provide training and guidance to employees whose roles involve procurement, supplier management, recruitment, and site supervision. Training covers the nature of modern slavery, common indicators of exploitation, and appropriate steps to take when concerns arise.
We also promote awareness among all staff of our values and expectations, reinforcing the message that everyone shares responsibility for helping to identify and prevent modern slavery.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Finsbury encourages anyone who has concerns, suspicions, or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business or supply chain to report them without delay. Concerns can be raised through our internal reporting routes, including line managers or senior management. We treat all reports seriously and, where requested and permissible by law, seek to protect the confidentiality of individuals raising concerns.
We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith or participates in an investigation. All allegations are reviewed promptly and, where necessary, investigated and escalated to external authorities.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Gardeners Finsbury is committed to continuous improvement in managing modern slavery risks. Each year we review our policies, procedures, training, and supplier oversight to ensure they remain effective and reflect evolving best practice and regulatory requirements.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and approved at least annually by the leadership of Gardeners Finsbury. As part of the annual review, we evaluate the outcomes of our audits, the effectiveness of our reporting channels, the adequacy of staff training, and the responsiveness of our suppliers. Where gaps are identified, we update our approach and set clear objectives to strengthen our defences against modern slavery.
By publishing this Statement, Gardeners Finsbury affirms its ongoing commitment to upholding human dignity, promoting fair and safe working conditions, and eliminating modern slavery from our business and supply chains.