Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Locks Bottom

At Gardeners Locks Bottom, we are committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that gardeners in Locks Bottom and the wider landscaping sector can face risks in labour sourcing, seasonal recruitment, and subcontracting, and we take those risks seriously.

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: modern slavery has no place in our business. We do not accept any form of exploitation, whether direct or indirect, and we expect the same standard from everyone who works with us. This policy applies to employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners involved in delivering Locks Bottom gardening services or supplying goods and materials to our organisation.

To support this commitment, we maintain procedures designed to identify, assess, and reduce risk. These include due diligence checks on new suppliers, review of labour practices where appropriate, and monitoring of high-risk categories such as imported materials, outsourced labour, and temporary staffing. By applying these controls, Gardeners Locks Bottom aims to uphold ethical standards across every stage of service delivery.

Supplier oversight is a key part of our approach. We carry out supplier audits proportionate to the nature of the relationship and the level of risk involved. These audits may involve document reviews, labour practice checks, and confirmation that workers are employed lawfully and treated fairly. Where concerns are identified, we require prompt corrective action and may suspend or end the relationship if standards are not met.

We also expect suppliers to share our values by maintaining lawful recruitment practices, avoiding fee-charging to workers where prohibited, and ensuring that wages, working hours, and working conditions comply with applicable legislation. Our procurement process includes a review of modern slavery risks before contracts are agreed, helping ensure that Locks Bottom gardeners and the businesses they support are not linked to exploitation.

In the middle paragraph of this statement, we emphasise that training and awareness are essential. Staff involved in procurement, supervision, and recruitment receive guidance on how to recognise warning signs, such as restricted movement, withheld documents, debt bondage, or unusual control over workers. This helps our teams respond quickly if concerns arise within Gardeners Locks Bottom operations or among suppliers.

We encourage a culture in which concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. Our reporting channels allow workers, contractors, and suppliers to report suspected modern slavery or unethical labour practices through internal management routes and safeguarding procedures. Reports are treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated in line with our internal processes. Where needed, we will take immediate action to protect individuals and cooperate with relevant authorities.

Risk assessment is ongoing rather than one-off. We recognise that conditions can change across the supply chain, particularly where labour is seasonal or subcontracted. As part of our governance, we review supplier relationships, recruitment practices, and compliance records to identify emerging vulnerabilities. This helps Gardeners Locks Bottom remain vigilant and responsive in protecting people from exploitation.

Our commitment is supported by clear accountability at management level. Senior decision-makers oversee modern slavery controls, review concerns, and ensure that corrective measures are implemented where needed. By embedding these responsibilities into our business practices, we reinforce the principle that ethical conduct is not optional but fundamental to how we operate.

We conduct an annual review of this statement and the controls behind it to ensure continuous improvement. Each review considers supplier audit outcomes, training activity, reported concerns, and any changes in legal requirements or business risk. This process allows us to strengthen our safeguards and maintain a proactive stance against exploitation.

Through these measures, Gardeners Locks Bottom remains committed to transparency, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. We will continue to refine our approach, uphold our zero-tolerance policy, and work with suppliers who share our values. In doing so, we aim to support an ethical service environment for everyone connected with our work.