Gardeners Longlands Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Longlands is taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically, with integrity and transparency, and to improving our practices over time to safeguard the rights and dignity of all workers connected to our activities.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Longlands has a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, servitude and any exploitation of vulnerable individuals. We will not knowingly engage with, support or profit from any practices that are inconsistent with this commitment.

All colleagues, contractors and suppliers are expected to uphold this standard. Where we identify, or reasonably suspect, any instance of modern slavery within our operations or supply chain, we will take immediate and decisive action, which may include suspension or termination of relationships and reporting concerns to appropriate authorities.

Governance and Responsibilities

The senior management team at Gardeners Longlands holds overall responsibility for ensuring that effective measures are in place to detect, prevent and address modern slavery risks. Managers across our business are responsible for implementing this Statement in their areas of control and for ensuring that staff understand the expectations placed upon them.

Our policies relating to ethical conduct, procurement and working conditions are periodically reviewed and updated to align with relevant legislation and best practice principles. We promote a culture where ethical concerns can be raised and addressed without fear of retaliation.

Supply Chain Standards and Audits

Our supply chains include providers of horticultural products, equipment, packaging, logistics and a range of professional services. Gardeners Longlands expects all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to eliminating modern slavery and to comply with all applicable labour and human rights laws in the countries where they operate.

We communicate our zero-tolerance stance to suppliers and require them to act transparently in their own sourcing and employment practices. Where appropriate and risk-based, we conduct audits or assessments of suppliers. These may include requesting documentation on labour practices, conducting site visits and verifying that workers are employed voluntarily, are of legal working age and receive fair and lawful terms and conditions.

If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards, we will work with them to develop a corrective action plan with clear timescales. Failure to remediate unacceptable practices may result in the termination of our commercial relationship.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Longlands recognises that raising awareness is vital to preventing modern slavery. We provide relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment and site management, with information and guidance on identifying the signs of modern slavery and on how to respond if concerns arise.

We encourage open discussion about ethical sourcing and labour standards and we seek to continuously improve our internal knowledge so that our approach remains effective and proportionate to evolving risks.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We are committed to providing safe and accessible channels for raising concerns about potential modern slavery issues. Any employee, worker, supplier or other stakeholder who suspects that modern slavery may be occurring in our business or supply chain is encouraged to report it as soon as possible.

Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting routes or directly to senior management. Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. No individual will suffer detrimental treatment for reporting, in good faith, a genuine concern or for assisting in an investigation.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Longlands understands that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to regularly assessing our exposure to modern slavery risks and to refining our policies, procedures and due diligence activities in response to emerging information and best practice.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every twelve months by senior management. The review will consider the effectiveness of existing controls, the outcomes of supplier audits, any reported concerns and the evolving risk profile of our operations and supply chains. Where necessary, we will update our approach and communicate any significant changes to relevant stakeholders.

This Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Longlands, who are responsible for ensuring its implementation and for championing our ongoing commitment to the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking.