Gardeners Longford Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Longford has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Longford is committed to conducting all activities with integrity and responsibility, ensuring that the rights and dignity of every person connected with our business are respected and protected.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Longford operates under a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. We do not accept any practice that exploits individuals, restricts their freedom, or undermines their fundamental human rights. This commitment applies to all parts of our organisation, including our direct workforce, contractors, and all tiers of our supply chain.

All managers and employees are expected to uphold this policy and to act immediately if they suspect any breach. We are committed to working only with suppliers and partners who share these values and who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethical labour practices.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Longford provides gardening and related services and engages with a range of suppliers for equipment, materials, horticultural products, and contracted services. These suppliers may be located within the United Kingdom and internationally. We recognise that some sectors and regions present a higher risk of modern slavery, and we focus particular attention on those areas.

We seek to build long-term relationships with reputable suppliers who can evidence strong labour standards, transparent employment practices, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations relating to employment, health and safety, and human rights.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are developing and implementing supplier standards that set out our expectations on labour rights, working conditions, and ethical behaviour. These standards form part of our contractual arrangements with key suppliers and are communicated clearly during onboarding and ongoing review processes.

Gardeners Longford conducts proportionate risk-based audits and assessments of selected suppliers. These audits may include requesting documentation on employment practices, conducting site visits where appropriate, reviewing records related to working hours and wages, and holding discussions with management and, where possible, workers. Where areas of concern are identified, we work with the supplier to agree an action plan and timetable for improvement. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to make necessary changes, we reserve the right to review, suspend, or terminate the commercial relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide guidance and awareness-raising for relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and site supervision. This guidance helps our people understand what modern slavery is, how it may manifest in our industry, and what warning signs to look for when dealing with suppliers and subcontractors.

We encourage open discussion about ethical concerns and ensure that our teams understand that preventing modern slavery is a shared responsibility that underpins the reputation and integrity of Gardeners Longford.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Longford encourages any employee, contractor, supplier, or other stakeholder with concerns about possible modern slavery or human rights abuses connected with our business to report them without delay. Concerns may relate to our own operations, our suppliers, or any other party acting on our behalf.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting lines, including line managers or senior management, or using established whistleblowing channels in line with our internal policies. Reports will be treated sensitively and, wherever possible, confidentially. We do not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, whether or not it is ultimately substantiated.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Longford recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement. We are committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing our policies, procedures, and due diligence activities to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every twelve months by senior management. As part of the review, we consider any incidents reported, audit findings, changes in our business operations or supply chains, and updates to relevant legislation or best practice guidance. Where necessary, we update our approach and communicate any significant changes to our employees and key suppliers.

This statement reflects the position of Gardeners Longford for the most recent financial year and has been approved by the company leadership, who take overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.