Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Feltham Commitment
Gardeners Feltham is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in any part of our business or supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement reflects our zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, child exploitation and any form of coercion that undermines basic human rights. We acknowledge the responsibility carried by the gardeners of Feltham and the broader GF community to act ethically, transparently and proactively.
Our policy applies to all employees, contractors and partners engaged by Gardeners of Feltham. We take a zero-tolerance approach: any credible allegation of modern slavery will trigger immediate action, including investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures. We require that all regions and teams embed these standards into procurement, hiring and on-site operational practices.
To make a clear operational commitment, we have published a code of conduct for suppliers and contractors. This code sets out expectations on working hours, pay, freedom of movement and the right to safe working conditions. Suppliers to Feltham gardeners are required to confirm compliance and to cooperate with our monitoring activities.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Gardeners Feltham conducts risk-based supplier audits and due diligence to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks. Our procurement team performs initial screening and periodic checks on high-risk suppliers. Where necessary, we deploy third-party auditors to validate conditions and remediation plans. Key audit elements include:
- Verification of pay records and working hours
- Evidence of lawful recruitment practices and no recruitment fees
- Worker interviews and site inspections where access is permitted
- Corrective action plans and follow-up monitoring
Audit findings are used to inform supplier scorecards and procurement decisions. Where suppliers fail to remediate serious breaches, Gardeners Feltham will suspend or terminate contracts. Our approach balances engagement and enforcement, supporting suppliers to meet expectations while acting decisively where abuse is identified.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We maintain multiple confidential reporting channels for employees, temporary workers and third parties to raise concerns about modern slavery without fear of retaliation. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly by our governance team. We encourage the use of internal reporting routes, and where required, independent advisors or regulators may be involved to ensure impartial outcomes.
All allegations are assessed for credibility, severity and immediacy of risk to affected individuals. Investigations prioritise victim safety and access to support. Gardeners Feltham ensures that anyone raising a concern is protected and that any whistleblower will be treated with respect and confidentiality throughout the process.
Governance, Training and Accountability
Gardeners Feltham allocates governance responsibilities across senior management and the board. Regular training for staff and procurement teams improves awareness of indicators of forced labour and trafficking. We require annual training refreshers for those in high-risk roles and expect suppliers to provide equivalent training to their workforce.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement: We review our anti-slavery measures on an annual basis to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to emerging risks. The annual review evaluates policy effectiveness, audit results, reported incidents and remediation outcomes, and identifies opportunities for improved controls and supplier engagement.
Gardeners Feltham will continue to evolve our strategy, including strengthening contractual clauses, increasing the frequency of audits for higher-risk categories and expanding worker voice mechanisms. We are committed to transparent reporting of progress in future statements and to learning from industry best practice.
In conclusion, the gardeners in Feltham and our wider operations adopt a proactive stance against modern slavery. Through a zero-tolerance policy, robust supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review process, we strive to ensure ethical supply chains and protect vulnerable workers. This statement is approved by senior leadership and will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect our ongoing commitment to eradicating modern slavery in all forms.
