Modern Slavery Statement - Gardeners Kenton

Gardeners Kenton is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This zero-tolerance policy is central to how our gardening business operates in Kenton and beyond. We explicitly prohibit forced labour, child labour, and any form of exploitation, and we expect the same high standards from our suppliers, subcontractors and partners. Our statement sets out the steps we take to identify and mitigate the risk of modern slavery in the services and goods procured by Kenton gardeners and the broader Gardeners Kenton family.

We require that all staff and contractors working with Gardeners Kenton understand this policy and their responsibilities. Employees are trained to recognise signs of exploitation and to act. We also use clear contractual clauses to require compliance from suppliers. To ensure these commitments are effective, we publish clear reporting routes and maintain a process of continuous improvement. Our commitment extends to seasonal workers, agency labour and any field operatives engaged by Kenton gardeners for landscaping, maintenance and planting projects.

We actively monitor and audit our supply chain. Supplier audits target high-risk categories such as horticultural labour providers, imported materials and equipment. Audits include documentation checks, worker interviews where appropriate, and verification of recruitment and payroll practices. Audit findings are reported to senior management, and corrective actions are tracked to closure. The measures below illustrate how we operate our supplier assurance program:

• Pre-engagement screening of suppliers for compliance with labour standards
• Regular on-site and remote audits to assess recruitment and working conditions
• Corrective action plans with timelines and follow-up verification

Zero-Tolerance and Enforcement

Gardeners Kenton maintains a zero-tolerance stance against modern slavery. When evidence of non-compliance is found, we will take decisive action: suspension of contracts, termination of relationships and referral to appropriate authorities where required. Our disciplinary policy for internal breaches is rigorous and ensures proportional, transparent consequences. We do not tolerate exploitative practices under any circumstances, and we strive to ensure that Kenton gardeners operate with respect for human rights at every level of our operations.

Reporting suspected modern slavery is essential to our approach. We provide multiple anonymous and confidential reporting channels so concerns can be raised safely by workers, suppliers, or members of the public. Reports may be escalated to our compliance team and, if necessary, to law enforcement. Our internal whistleblowing process protects reporters from retaliation and ensures thorough, impartial investigation. The core reporting channels include dedicated email, an internal hotline and escalation to our nominated officer for ethics and compliance.

Supplier audits and supplier development form part of an ongoing programme to reduce risk. We actively work with suppliers to remediate issues and build capacity for responsible labour practices. Where suppliers repeatedly fail to meet required standards, Gardeners Kenton will cease procurement and re-evaluate partnerships. We prioritise collaborative approaches that support ethical sourcing and fair recruitment for all workers engaged in landscaping, horticulture and grounds maintenance across the Kenton area.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

The effectiveness of this modern slavery statement is reviewed at least once a year. The annual review process includes analysis of audit outcomes, review of reported incidents, assessment of training uptake and updates to contractual requirements. Senior management and the board receive a formal report detailing progress, challenges and planned improvements. We set measurable objectives for the coming year and publish changes to our approach as part of our transparency commitments. Gardeners Kenton continuously updates risk assessments, refreshes training materials and enhances supplier engagement to remain proactive against modern slavery.

In summary, Gardeners Kenton is fully committed to eliminating modern slavery from our operations and our supply chain. Through a robust zero-tolerance policy, targeted supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and a rigorous annual review, we aim to protect vulnerable workers and uphold the highest ethical standards for gardeners in Kenton and the communities we serve.