Gardeners Seven Sisters Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Seven Sisters publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our enduring commitment to preventing modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. This Gardeners Seven Sisters modern slavery statement describes the measures we take to uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation and to ensure all people working for or through our organisation are treated with dignity and fairness.
Our statement covers employees, contractors and third-party suppliers in the UK and internationally. We operate with a risk-based approach that recognises the diversity of horticulture, landscaping and garden services sectors. The GSS modern slavery statement applies to every level of our supply chain and procurement processes and is embedded within our procurement policies and contractual terms.
We require all suppliers and partners to comply with our policies and to accept our standards. Our expectations include:
- Compliance with applicable labour laws and prohibition of forced labour;
- Transparent recruitment practices, no recruitment fees charged to workers;
- Safe working conditions, fair pay and freedom of movement for workers.
We enforce a zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery. Allegations are taken seriously, investigated promptly and escalated to senior management. Where breaches are confirmed we will terminate contracts and pursue remediation for affected individuals. Our contractual terms with suppliers contain clear requirements and rights to audit, inspect and, where necessary, suspend supply relationships.
Supplier audits form a core part of our due diligence. We conduct risk-based audits and assessments across our supplier network, prioritising areas with higher vulnerability to exploitation. Audits combine document review, on-site inspections and worker interviews where practicable. Findings are recorded, and corrective action plans are agreed and monitored to ensure timely remediation and continuous improvement.
We promote a worker-centred approach that encourages transparency and worker voice. Training for procurement teams, site managers and contract supervisors emphasises recognizing signs of abuse, safe recruitment practices and contractual enforcement. Regular briefing sessions and supplier workshops help maintain awareness of our expectations and practical steps to identify and address risks.
Reporting channels are accessible and protected. We provide multiple safe routes for concerns to be raised anonymously and without fear of retaliation. These reporting channels include internal reporting to supervisors and managers, a confidential whistleblowing pathway and escalation to our compliance team. All reports are treated confidentially, investigated by trained staff and acted upon according to established procedures.
To support reporting we maintain clear procedures:
- Confidential intake and triage of allegations;
- Independent investigation where required;
- Protection measures for suspected victims and whistleblowers.
Annual Review and Governance
Governance and accountability are central to our modern slavery response. The Board and senior leadership review the modern slavery programme annually. Key performance indicators include audit completion rates, corrective action closure timescales and the number and outcome of investigations. This annual review informs policy updates, resource allocation and targeted supplier engagement.Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continuous improvement of our policies and processes. This includes strengthening procurement screening, expanding the reach of supplier audits, increasing worker training and enhancing our remediation protocols. Gardeners Seven Sisters will continue to collaborate with industry peers, social auditors and local stakeholders to reduce vulnerability factors and raise standards.Our modern slavery statement will be reviewed at least once every 12 months as part of our annual review cycle. The review evaluates the effectiveness of the measures described here, updates risk assessments, and sets measurable targets for the coming year. Findings from supplier audits, training outcomes and reporting trends will inform the next iteration of our commitments.
In closing, Gardeners Seven Sisters reaffirms its unwavering commitment to preventing modern slavery across its operations and supply chain. This slavery statement for Gardeners Seven Sisters reflects a practical, resourced and accountable approach: zero tolerance, robust supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review process that drives continual improvement.
