Modern Slavery Statement of Gardeners St Johns

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners St Johns to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, transparently, and in full respect of human rights. This statement applies to all employees, contractors, and suppliers associated with Gardeners St Johns.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners St Johns adopts a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and servitude. We do not tolerate any practice that exploits individuals or undermines their dignity and freedom.

All business decisions, commercial relationships, and operational practices must align with this zero-tolerance stance. We expect everyone working for or with Gardeners St Johns to uphold this commitment at all times and to act immediately where any concern arises.

Governance and Responsibilities

The leadership team of Gardeners St Johns holds overall responsibility for ensuring that effective systems and controls are in place to identify, prevent, and address the risk of modern slavery. Managers are responsible for implementing this statement within their areas, promoting awareness, and ensuring staff understand their obligations.

Employees at every level are required to act with integrity, report concerns promptly, and cooperate fully with any investigations relating to modern slavery or human rights abuses.

Supply Chain Standards and Audits

Our supply chain includes providers of horticultural products, equipment, materials, and related services. Gardeners St Johns expects all suppliers to share our commitment to ethical conduct and to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws.

As part of our due diligence, we carry out risk-based assessments of suppliers. This may include pre-engagement questionnaires, review of policies and certifications, and on-site visits where considered appropriate. Suppliers identified as higher risk are subject to closer monitoring.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers to verify compliance with our modern slavery expectations. Where issues are identified, we seek constructive remediation, but we will suspend or terminate relationships with any supplier that fails to address serious or repeated breaches.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners St Johns encourages a culture of openness in which concerns about modern slavery can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to speak up promptly if they suspect any instance of coercion, exploitation, or trafficking within our operations or supply chains.

Concerns may be raised through established internal reporting routes, including line managers and senior management, or through existing whistleblowing mechanisms. All reports will be treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and sensitively. We aim to protect those who report concerns in good faith and prohibit any form of victimisation in response to such reports.

Training and Awareness

We recognise that awareness is vital to preventing modern slavery. Gardeners St Johns provides relevant staff with information and, where appropriate, training to help them identify indicators of modern slavery and understand how to escalate concerns. Particular focus is placed on employees who work in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners St Johns is committed to continuous improvement in identifying and managing the risk of modern slavery. We regularly review our policies, processes, and supplier engagement practices to strengthen our approach and respond to evolving risks.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership team to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with best practice and legal requirements. As part of the annual review, we assess the effectiveness of our due diligence, audit outcomes, training efforts, and reporting mechanisms, and we update our action plans accordingly.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, engaging proactively with our supply chain, and promoting transparent reporting, Gardeners St Johns seeks to play a responsible role in helping to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.