Gardeners Aperfield Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Aperfield is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity and transparency in everything we do.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Aperfield has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced or compulsory labour, and child labour. We are committed to ensuring that such practices have no place in our business or in any part of our supply chain.

All employees, contractors and suppliers are expected to act in accordance with our values and to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. Any form of modern slavery is completely unacceptable and may result in the termination of contracts or working relationships where it is identified.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners Aperfield operates in the gardening and horticultural sector, providing a range of services and products. Our supply chain includes providers of plants, materials, equipment and associated business services. We recognise that some parts of the horticultural and labour supply sectors may be at higher risk of labour exploitation and we are committed to identifying and managing these risks effectively.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are working towards ensuring that all key suppliers and contractors acknowledge and adhere to our expectations around labour standards, including compliance with all applicable laws relating to employment, working conditions and human rights.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with our requirements on modern slavery and ethical conduct. These audits may include reviewing employment practices, checking right-to-work documentation, assessing the use of labour agencies and examining health and safety arrangements.

If concerns or non-compliance are identified, we will work with the supplier to develop and implement corrective action plans. Where meaningful improvement is not made within agreed timescales, we reserve the right to reconsider or terminate the relationship.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

Gardeners Aperfield assesses the risk of modern slavery within our operations and supply chains by reviewing the sectors, locations and types of services we engage. We give particular attention to areas where lower-skilled or seasonal labour may be used, or where there is reliance on third-party labour providers.

Due diligence processes may include supplier questionnaires, contractual obligations, and ongoing monitoring. We are committed to continuous improvement and will refine our approach as our understanding of modern slavery risks evolves.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage everyone connected with Gardeners Aperfield, including employees, agency workers, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders, to raise concerns about any suspected instance of modern slavery or unethical labour practices.

Concerns can be reported through our internal reporting routes or via our whistleblowing arrangements, which allow issues to be raised confidentially. All reports are taken seriously, investigated where appropriate, and handled sensitively. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Training and Awareness

We aim to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management and site supervision. Training and guidance are provided to help colleagues identify warning signs of exploitation and understand the correct steps to take if they have concerns.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Aperfield to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with legal requirements and industry best practice. As part of this review, we consider feedback from audits, risk assessments, reported concerns and developments in legislation and guidance.

We are committed to continually improving our processes and controls to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. Future actions may include strengthening supplier requirements, enhancing due diligence in higher-risk areas and broadening training for staff.

This statement reflects the position of Gardeners Aperfield at the date of publication and applies to our activities for the relevant financial year. It has been approved by the responsible senior management of Gardeners Aperfield, who are accountable for its implementation and ongoing effectiveness.