Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Cudham

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Cudham has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Cudham provides gardening and grounds maintenance services and recognises its responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and human rights.

Modern slavery is a serious crime and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, debt bondage and other forms of exploitation. Gardeners Cudham is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships, and to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery.

Zero-Tolerance Policy on Modern Slavery

Gardeners Cudham operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept, condone or participate in any form of exploitation, whether in our own operations or in those of our suppliers, contractors or partners. This expectation is clearly communicated to our workforce and to all organisations with which we engage.

All staff, including permanent, temporary and seasonal workers, are required to behave in a manner consistent with this policy. Any breach of our zero-tolerance stance by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any supplier or contractor found to be involved in modern slavery will face termination of their commercial relationship with Gardeners Cudham.

Managing Risk in Our Supply Chains

We recognise that risks of modern slavery may arise within supply chains, particularly where there are multiple tiers of subcontracting or where raw materials and products are sourced from high‑risk regions or sectors. Gardeners Cudham is committed to identifying, assessing and mitigating these risks in a systematic and proportionate way.

Our procurement decisions take into account not only cost, quality and reliability, but also the labour practices and ethical standards of our suppliers. We expect all suppliers to comply with relevant labour laws, provide fair working conditions and actively prevent any form of forced or compulsory labour.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Gardeners Cudham conducts due diligence on new suppliers before entering into contracts and continues to monitor existing suppliers on an ongoing basis. As part of this process, we may request information on labour practices, recruitment methods, use of subcontractors and compliance with human rights standards.

Where appropriate, we carry out audits of selected suppliers, either directly or through competent third parties. These audits may include site visits, worker interviews and document reviews, with a particular focus on indicators of forced labour such as retention of identity documents, recruitment fees, restrictions on freedom of movement and evidence of coercion or intimidation.

If any concerns are identified through audits or other monitoring activities, we work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timeframes. If concerns are not adequately addressed, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Cudham encourages all employees, workers, suppliers and other stakeholders to raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical practices at the earliest opportunity. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any part of our supply chain.

Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management or through internal reporting channels made known to staff and key suppliers. Reports can be made confidentially, and we are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from retaliation or detrimental treatment. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly and handled with sensitivity and discretion.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

We provide appropriate information and guidance to relevant staff so they can recognise signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment and supplier management receive particular support to help them identify risk factors and ensure compliance with this statement.

Gardeners Cudham is committed to continuous improvement in our approach to preventing modern slavery. We review our processes regularly to ensure they remain effective and reflect evolving best practice, legal requirements and industry expectations.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed each year by the senior management of Gardeners Cudham. The annual review considers any incidents or concerns raised, findings from supplier audits, changes to our operations or supply chains and developments in legislation and guidance.

Following each review, we update our risk assessments, policies and procedures as needed, and set priorities for further improvements in the year ahead. By maintaining clear governance and accountability, Gardeners Cudham aims to ensure that our zero‑tolerance approach to modern slavery is embedded in all aspects of our work and that we play our part in eliminating exploitation from the gardening and grounds maintenance sector.