Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Petersham

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Petersham is taking to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our business operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our activities ethically, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws and recognised human rights standards.

Gardeners Petersham operates as a horticultural and gardening services business that works with a wide range of suppliers, contractors, and service providers. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in all industries and regions, and we are determined to play our part in identifying and addressing any risks connected to our activities.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

We maintain a clear zero-tolerance stance on all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. This position applies to our own operations, to our direct and indirect suppliers, and to any third parties acting on our behalf. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation that fails to uphold the same commitment.

Our expectations are embedded in our internal policies and communicated to employees and suppliers. Any breach, or reasonable suspicion of a breach, of our modern slavery expectations is treated as a serious matter and may result in the termination of contracts or working relationships, as well as referral to the appropriate authorities where necessary.

Responsibility and Governance

Overall responsibility for our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management team at Gardeners Petersham. Managers are responsible for implementing this statement within their areas of control, including overseeing supplier relationships and monitoring compliance. Employees at all levels are expected to act in a way that supports our zero-tolerance policy and to raise concerns where they believe modern slavery risks may exist.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and to maintain working conditions that are fair, safe, and free from exploitation. As part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing relationship management, we assess the modern slavery risk associated with the nature of the goods or services supplied, the geographic location, and the type of workforce utilised.

Where we identify higher-risk areas, we may conduct supplier audits or request evidence of due diligence measures undertaken by the supplier. These audits may include site visits, document reviews, and interviews with management or workers where appropriate. Suppliers who cannot demonstrate adequate safeguards or who fail to cooperate with reasonable audit requests may have their contracts suspended or terminated.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Petersham encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting lines or directly to management.

We are committed to ensuring that individuals who raise concerns in good faith do so without fear of retaliation. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and sensitively, and, where appropriate, escalated to senior management or external authorities. Where we identify confirmed or potential cases of modern slavery, we will take appropriate remedial action, including working with relevant agencies to protect affected individuals.

Training and Awareness

We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and on-site supervision. Training and guidance focus on recognising warning signs, understanding our policies, and knowing how to report concerns. We will continue to develop our training approach to reflect emerging best practice and evolving legal requirements.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Our approach to addressing modern slavery risks is subject to continuous improvement. We understand that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing process, requiring regular review of our policies, practices, and supplier relationships. We will monitor the effectiveness of our measures, including the outcomes of supplier audits, the number and nature of reported concerns, and feedback from employees and stakeholders.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed annually by senior management to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and industry expectations. Updates will reflect any significant changes to our business operations, supply chains, or risk profile, as well as the lessons learned from our due diligence and engagement activities.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Petersham reaffirms its commitment to acting with integrity and vigilance in all business dealings and to working proactively to help eliminate modern slavery from our operations and supply chains.