Modern Slavery Statement — Gardening Shortlands

Gardening Shortlands maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour across our operations and supply chains. Our commitment is to act ethically and transparently in all business dealings, and to implement effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in any part of our business or in our supply chains. This Gardening Shortlands modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent and address these risks.

We recognise that the nature of landscaping, horticulture and garden services can present specific vulnerabilities. As Gardening Shortlands grows its procurement footprint for plants, tools and seasonal labour, we undertake targeted risk assessments and seek to reduce exposure to exploitative practices. Our senior leadership endorses a proactive stance: unlawful employment practices will not be tolerated and violations will trigger corrective action.

We embed a robust supplier due diligence approach. This includes contractual clauses that require suppliers to comply with anti-slavery standards, evidence of labour rights compliance, and the expectation that subcontractors meet the same requirements. We maintain a register of suppliers and carry out periodic checks to confirm adherence to our anti-slavery commitments.

Zero-Tolerance Policy and Governance

Our explicit zero-tolerance position means that any identified or suspected case of forced labour, debt bondage, or human trafficking will prompt swift investigation. We operate clear governance: senior managers are accountable for compliance and training is provided to procurement, site managers and HR. Gardening Shortlands anti-slavery policy forms part of our code of conduct and is communicated across the organisation to ensure clarity on expectations.

We conduct regular supplier audits and assessments to verify labour conditions. Supplier audits include document verification, worker interviews where possible, and checks on recruitment practices and wage payments. Findings are recorded and used to inform risk mitigation. Where non-compliance is discovered, we require action plans, monitor remediation, and may suspend or terminate relationships if improvements are not achieved.

To further strengthen procurement integrity, Gardening Shortlands uses a tiered risk-based approach: categorising suppliers by geography, product type and labour intensity. High-risk categories receive enhanced scrutiny. We also require suppliers to provide information about their own supply chains to promote transparency beyond first-tier vendors.

Reporting Channels, Training and Annual Review

We maintain multiple reporting channels for concerns relating to exploitation, including anonymous reporting mechanisms and internal escalation processes. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and with confidentiality. Retaliation against anyone raising concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited. Staff are encouraged to speak up, and managers are trained to respond appropriately.

Gardening Shortlands invests in ongoing staff and contractor training to raise awareness of modern slavery indicators, recruitment malpractice and ethical sourcing. Training covers how to spot signs of coercion, the correct steps to report concerns, and the contractual obligations of suppliers. We promote a culture of vigilance and responsibility across every site and office.

We commit to reviewing this statement and our anti-slavery measures annually. The annual review includes assessment of supplier audit outcomes, incidents and remedial actions taken, updates to risk assessments and improvement of controls. Results of the review inform future policy updates, increased supplier engagement and strengthened contractual safeguards.

Gardening Shortlands will continue to refine its approach to preventing modern slavery by collaborating with industry partners, sharing best practice and implementing lessons learned from audits and investigations. We will seek continuous improvement in procurement, hiring and monitoring practices to protect vulnerable workers and ensure ethical supply chains.

In summary, this Gardening Shortlands anti-slavery statement outlines our determination to eliminate forced labour and human trafficking from our operations. Our program combines a clear zero-tolerance policy, systematic supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and a commitment to an annual review cycle that strengthens prevention and accountability.

We remain committed to transparency, remediation and ongoing vigilance to ensure the dignity and rights of all individuals involved in supplying and supporting Gardening Shortlands.