Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Woolwich
The Gardeners Woolwich group (referred to in this statement as Gardeners of Woolwich or GW) is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery statement sets out our approach to identifying, preventing and responding to risks of forced labour, servitude and human trafficking in the services we provide and the goods we procure.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Zero-tolerance is at the heart of Gardeners Woolwich's policy. We will not knowingly engage with suppliers, contractors or partners who exploit workers or breach human rights. All employees and contractors are required to comply with our anti-slavery policy, which mandates immediate action where there is suspicion of coercion, debt bondage, excessive working hours without consent, withholding of wages or confiscation of identity documents.
We enforce this through clear contractual clauses, mandatory declarations by suppliers and a commitment to remediate any confirmed instances of modern slavery. Gardeners' Woolwich expects transparency from vendors and will terminate relationships where coercive or exploitative practices are discovered and not remedied promptly.
Due Diligence and Supplier Audits
Gardeners Woolwich operates a risk-based due diligence programme to assess human rights risks across our supplier network. Our approach includes desk-based assessments, on-site audits and targeted reviews for higher-risk categories such as seasonal labour, subcontracted landscaping crews and imported materials. We publish a supplier code of conduct and require evidence of labour standards, identity checks and lawful wage practices.
Audit results inform a graded action plan: low-risk suppliers receive guidance; medium-risk partners enter corrective action plans; high-risk suppliers are subject to intensive monitoring or removal from approved lists. We use independent audit firms for verification where necessary and maintain records of corrective measures and outcomes.
To strengthen procurement integrity, Gardeners of Woolwich integrates anti-slavery checks into tender processes. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance through documented policies, worker interviews and secure payroll records to prevent illicit recruitment fees or exploitative recruitment practices.
Reporting Channels and Worker Protection
We provide secure and confidential reporting channels for employees, subcontractors and third parties to raise concerns. Reports can be made anonymously through internal whistleblowing lines, designated HR contacts and independent reporting mechanisms. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and escalated to senior management when required.
Available reporting options include:
- Internal whistleblowing line with independent oversight
- Dedicated HR investigations team trained in victim-sensitive handling
- External independent reporting channel for anonymous disclosures
We ensure non-retaliation protections for those who report in good faith. Where exploitation is found, Gardeners Woolwich will work to safeguard victims, provide or facilitate access to appropriate support and engage with law enforcement or relevant authorities where criminal conduct is suspected.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
Our commitment includes an annual review of this statement and our anti-slavery procedures. Each year the Gardeners Woolwich compliance team will publish an internal review assessing audit findings, remediation effectiveness, training uptake and supplier performance. This review informs policy updates, supplier requalification cycles and targeted training for procurement and site managers.
Training is mandatory for procurement staff, line managers and field supervisors to recognise indicators of modern slavery and to act appropriately. Gardeners Woolwich will continue to collaborate with industry partners, NGOs and labour experts to strengthen prevention efforts and ensure our zero-tolerance stance is reflected in everyday practice.
In closing, Gardeners Woolwich reiterates its uncompromising position against modern slavery: prevention through robust supplier audits, safe reporting channels for workers and an annual review cycle to maintain continual improvement and accountability.
