Gardener Bermondsey Modern Slavery Statement
Our commitment to eradicating modern slavery
Gardener Bermondsey publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our ongoing commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking within our business and supply chains. We recognise the moral and legal responsibility to act where exploitation exists and we value every person affected by our operations. This statement explains our policies, actions and the ethos that underpins our anti-slavery work.
We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of forced labour and exploitation. Our anti-slavery policy is embedded in staff training, procurement decisions and contract terms. We expect our colleagues, contractors and suppliers to act with integrity and to report concerns through the channels we maintain.
In preparing this modern slavery statement we have assessed high-risk activities and geographies within our operations. We commit to transparency about risks and to taking proportionate steps to reduce them. Our leadership team has oversight of these matters and will ensure resources are made available to sustain compliance and continuous improvement.
Policies, due diligence and supplier audits
Our procurement and purchasing practices include specific controls designed to detect and prevent modern slavery. We carry out due diligence when selecting new suppliers and require key partners to adhere to our anti-slavery standards. These standards are incorporated into contracts and purchase terms.
We conduct periodic supplier audits and risk assessments focusing on fair working conditions, freedom of movement, accurate payment and lawful recruitment. Audit activity ranges from documentation checks to on-site reviews carried out by internal teams or independent auditors. Where issues are identified we take swift remedial action and work with suppliers to improve conditions or, if necessary, terminate relationships.
To ensure clarity and consistency we use a combination of contractual requirements, targeted audits and supplier development. Our approach includes clear expectations, monitoring and a willingness to support suppliers to meet acceptable standards rather than immediate disengagement where practical improvements are achievable.
- Due diligence: risk screening at onboarding
- Supplier audits: scheduled and spot audits
- Remediation: action plans and follow-up checks
- Training: staff and supplier education
Reporting channels, governance and annual review
We provide accessible reporting channels for employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and confidentially, and result in appropriate action. Our whistleblowing and reporting mechanisms are maintained to protect those who raise concerns and to ensure impartial handling of allegations.
Governance of modern slavery matters sits with our senior leadership and a designated compliance lead who coordinates policy implementation, training and supplier engagement. We emphasise prevention through education: mandatory training for relevant staff, procurement teams and managers reinforces our zero-tolerance position and practical steps to identify risk.
This modern slavery and human trafficking statement will be reviewed annually to assess the effectiveness of policies, audits and reporting systems. The annual review considers emerging risks, audit outcomes and corrective actions, and sets targets for the following year. Where improvements are identified we will revise procedures and increase oversight to maintain alignment with evolving best practice.
In summary, Gardener Bermondsey is committed to preventing modern slavery through a combination of policy, monitoring and continual improvement. Our zero-tolerance stance is backed by supplier audits, clear reporting channels and a routine annual review to ensure our modern slavery statement remains effective and up to date.