Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Norwood

Gardeners Norwood affirms a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking in all forms. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the approach taken by the Gardeners of Norwood group to identify, prevent and address risks of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business ethically and ensuring that every worker engaged by Norwood gardeners and Gardeners-Norwood partners is treated with dignity and respect.

This statement covers our policies, due diligence processes, supplier audits and reporting channels. As a local and national service provider operating under the name Gardeners Norwood and occasionally contracting as Gardeners of Norwood, we maintain clear governance arrangements. The Board has ultimate responsibility for compliance, and assigned leads oversee operational implementation. Our position is unequivocal: any evidence of modern slavery will prompt immediate action.

Preventive Measures and Supplier Due Diligence

We map and assess our supply chain to detect potential risks, focusing on high-risk categories such as seasonal landscaping labour, subcontracted maintenance teams and imported horticultural supplies. Our supplier evaluation includes background checks, contract clauses requiring adherence to anti-slavery standards, and periodic site-based assessments. We use a risk-based approach: higher-risk vendors receive enhanced scrutiny, including documentation requests, worker interviews and corrective action plans.

To reinforce standards we maintain a zero tolerance posture and communicate expectations clearly. Procurement teams are trained to prioritise suppliers who demonstrate robust labour practices. Our interventions include:

• contractual obligations requiring compliance with anti-slavery laws;
• routine supplier audits and spot inspections;
• capacity building and guidance for subcontractors;
• termination of relationships where remediation is insufficient.

Supplier Audits, Monitoring and Remediation

We conduct scheduled and unannounced supplier audits to verify payroll, working hours, recruitment practices and living conditions where relevant. Audit findings are recorded and tracked; mandatory corrective measures are set with clear deadlines. Where issues are identified, we pursue remediation that prioritises worker protection and restitution. If a supplier fails to improve within agreed timescales, Gardeners Norwood will terminate the contract and seek alternative providers.

Our audit methodology combines document review, interviews and on-site inspection. Auditors are trained to spot indicators of coercion, withheld documents, debt bondage and fraudulent recruitment. We document all findings in audit reports, apply risk ratings, and require action plans. These assessments inform our ongoing procurement decisions and feed into our annual risk review.

Gardeners Norwood emphasises transparency and collaboration when addressing non-compliance: we work with suppliers to remediate where possible, and escalate to authorities when required. We also reserve the right to pursue civil or contractual remedies against culpable parties.

Reporting channels are vital. We provide secure and confidential ways for workers, contractors and stakeholders to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports may be made through internal channels established by Gardeners-Norwood management, or via anonymous third-party reporting mechanisms we endorse. All reports are treated seriously: each is assessed, investigated and actioned according to a documented process. We commit to protecting whistleblowers and to ensuring no detrimental treatment for those who raise issues in good faith.

Responsibilities and training: All staff and contractors are required to complete modern slavery awareness training. Procurement, HR and site managers receive enhanced training on red flags, investigative procedures and victim support. The operational lead compiles quarterly compliance dashboards for senior management so that corrective measures and trends are visible and acted upon promptly.

We will perform an annual review of this Modern Slavery Statement and our associated policies, procedures and performance. The review will assess the effectiveness of supplier audits, reporting uptake, remediation outcomes and training coverage. Findings will inform continuous improvement: policies will be revised, additional controls deployed, and resources allocated where necessary to strengthen our response to slavery risks.

Gardeners Norwood, the Norwood gardeners team and associated business units remain committed to eliminating modern slavery from our operations and supply chain. This statement is issued in good faith and reflects the steps we have taken and will continue to take to uphold human rights and ethical employment practices. It is endorsed by senior leadership and will be reviewed annually to ensure relevance and effectiveness.