Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Mortlake Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Mortlake in recognition of our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in any part of our business or sourcing activities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Mortlake provides gardening, landscaping, and related maintenance services. Our work relies on a combination of directly engaged team members and third-party suppliers, including providers of plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, waste management services, and occasional subcontracted labour. We recognise that certain aspects of horticultural and seasonal work, as well as international sourcing of materials, can carry elevated risks of labour exploitation. We are therefore proactive in assessing and managing these risks.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Mortlake operates a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. This commitment applies to our own operations and to all business partners who supply goods or services to us. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that fails to uphold equivalent standards of human rights, fair pay, and safe working conditions, and we reserve the right to terminate relationships where non-compliance is identified and not promptly remedied.

Policies and Governance

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is supported by internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, health and safety, and supplier management. These policies are communicated to all relevant staff and are reviewed regularly. Management is responsible for ensuring that modern slavery risks are considered in our decision making, including in hiring practices, selection of suppliers, and the day-to-day deployment of workers at sites where we operate.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Gardeners Mortlake is strengthening supplier due diligence to ensure that those who provide us with goods and services uphold our standards. We assess new and existing suppliers on their approach to labour rights, working conditions, and compliance with applicable laws. Where appropriate, we request evidence of their own modern slavery policies and practices.

We conduct proportionate audits of selected suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher-risk sectors or regions. These audits may include reviewing workforce documentation, checking labour practices, and confirming that appropriate safeguards are in place for temporary, migrant, or seasonal workers. If a supplier fails to meet our expectations, we will work with them to agree corrective actions within defined timeframes. Continued non-compliance may result in suspension or termination of the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness and understanding are critical to preventing modern slavery. Gardeners Mortlake provides targeted information and training to managers and relevant staff to help them identify potential indicators of exploitation, understand reporting routes, and respond responsibly to any concerns. We also encourage conversations about ethical sourcing and labour practices during supplier interactions.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Mortlake is committed to providing safe and accessible channels for raising concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any suspicion of exploitation, unfair treatment, or breaches of our standards to management or through established internal reporting routes. Reports can be made confidentially, and we do not tolerate retaliation against any individual who raises a concern in good faith.

All reports will be taken seriously, promptly investigated, and, where necessary, escalated to senior management. If modern slavery or related abuses are identified, we will take immediate and appropriate action, which may include notifying relevant authorities and working with partners to protect affected individuals.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Mortlake recognises that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to continual improvement of our policies, processes, and due diligence activities. Each year, we will review this Modern Slavery Statement, our risk assessments, and the effectiveness of our actions. The annual review will consider any incidents reported, audit outcomes, changes in our operations or supply chains, and evolving best practice.

This Statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Mortlake and will be updated and republished on an annual basis to reflect our continuing efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.