Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Gardeners Enfield Town and sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Enfield Town provides gardening and related services and recognises that modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights.
We are committed to conducting our activities with integrity, transparency, and respect for the dignity and wellbeing of all individuals who may be affected by our operations. This statement describes our zero-tolerance policy, how we assess and monitor suppliers, the channels available for reporting concerns, and how we review our approach on an annual basis.
Our Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery
Gardeners Enfield Town has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in all forms. We do not accept any practice that exploits people or undermines their basic rights, whether in our own business or within the organisations that supply us with goods and services.
All managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy and act in a way that prevents modern slavery from occurring. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment or business relationships, along with any other appropriate action.
We aim to foster a culture where respect, fairness, and safety are core principles, and where everyone understands that any form of exploitation is unacceptable.
Supplier Standards and Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of gardening materials, equipment, tools, uniforms, and support services. Gardeners Enfield Town is committed to working only with suppliers who share our stance on human rights and labour standards.
Before entering into new supplier relationships, we seek to understand their approach to labour practices and their compliance with applicable laws on employment, modern slavery, and human rights. We expect suppliers to be able to demonstrate that they pay fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and do not tolerate forced, bonded, or child labour.
We may conduct supplier audits or request evidence of compliance such as policies, risk assessments, or relevant certifications. Where we identify any concerns, we seek clarification and corrective actions. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address issues related to modern slavery, we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.
We also encourage our suppliers to implement similar expectations and due diligence processes with their own supply chains, extending the commitment to ethical practices as widely as possible.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
Gardeners Enfield Town encourages anyone who has concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices linked to our business to speak up without fear of retaliation. This includes employees, workers engaged through agencies, contractors, suppliers, and any other third parties.
Concerns may relate to suspected forced labour, human trafficking, unsafe or degrading working conditions, withholding of identity documents, or any other form of exploitation. We treat all reports sensitively and, wherever possible, confidentially.
Reports can be raised through internal reporting lines, such as line managers or senior management, or through any established whistleblowing processes we maintain. All concerns will be taken seriously, reviewed promptly, and investigated where appropriate. We will take suitable action in response to any substantiated concerns and will cooperate fully with law enforcement or other relevant authorities when necessary.
Training, Awareness, and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that understanding the signs of modern slavery is crucial to preventing it. Gardeners Enfield Town aims to raise awareness among relevant staff so they can identify potential risks within our operations and supply chains. Where appropriate, we provide guidance or training to managers and team members involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management.
We continually consider how our practices, from purchasing decisions to working arrangements, might influence labour conditions. This includes reviewing whether unrealistic deadlines or cost pressures could contribute to increased risks of exploitation, and adjusting our processes where necessary.
Annual Review of this Statement
This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by Gardeners Enfield Town. As part of the review, we assess the effectiveness of our measures, consider any incidents or concerns raised, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Where developments in legislation, industry best practice, or our own risk assessments highlight the need for change, we will update our policies and procedures accordingly. Our aim is to strengthen our approach year on year and to ensure that our stance on modern slavery remains robust, practical, and aligned with our values.
By publishing this statement, Gardeners Enfield Town reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to promoting respect for human rights throughout our business and supply chains.