Company logo and staff in a garden at start of statement

Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Vauxhall

Gardeners Vauxhall and its affiliates (referred to here as Vauxhall Gardeners or GV) are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in any part of our business or supply chain. This statement sets out our approach, including a zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and an annual review cycle to ensure continuous improvement. We believe that every worker should be treated with dignity and respect and that forced labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking have no place in the operations of Gardeners of Vauxhall.

Scope and Commitment

This modern slavery statement applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers engaged with Gardeners Vauxhall. Our commitment includes:

Policy enforcement — implementing and maintaining a strict anti-slavery policy across operations;
Supplier expectations — requiring compliance from all suppliers through contractual clauses and codes of conduct;
Training — providing staff and management with guidance to recognise and respond to risks.

Team meeting discussing anti-slavery scope and commitments

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our zero-tolerance approach means that any confirmed instance of modern slavery will result in immediate action. This can include termination of contracts, referral to enforcement authorities, and full cooperation with legal investigations. Gardeners Vauxhall sets a high standard: we will not engage with or tolerate suppliers who fail to demonstrate respect for human rights, fair wages, or safe working conditions.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We operate a risk-based supplier due diligence programme designed to identify, assess and mitigate modern slavery risks in our procurement chain. Key procedures include:

Pre-engagement checks, vetting of labour providers, verification of identity and documentation, and screening against relevant risk indicators. Where risks are higher, we apply enhanced measures such as on-site assessments and third-party verification.

Inspector reviewing supplier documents during an audit

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

We conduct regular supplier audits, both announced and unannounced, and use a mixture of remote checks and on-the-ground inspections. Audit activities include:

Review of payroll records and contract terms to ensure fair pay and lawful deductions;
Verification of recruitment practices to prevent debt bondage and exploitative fees;
Worker interviews and spot checks to confirm working hours and living conditions.

Findings from audits are reported to senior management and used to develop corrective action plans. Persistent non-compliance will lead to contract termination and replacement of the supplier where necessary.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners of Vauxhall maintains secure and accessible reporting channels to ensure concerns about modern slavery can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, suppliers and third parties are encouraged to report suspicions using the channels available internally. We emphasise confidentiality and protection for whistleblowers and ensure that reported allegations are investigated promptly and thoroughly.

Reports are triaged by our compliance team and, when appropriate, escalated to senior leadership. We also commit to cooperating with law enforcement and non-governmental organisations to support victims and assist in remediation.

Training session for staff on identifying exploitation and reporting

Remediation and Continuous Improvement

Where instances of modern slavery are identified, Gardeners Vauxhall will seek to remediate harm and support affected individuals, whilst holding responsible parties to account. Remediation steps may include:

Immediate separation of victims from exploitative circumstances;
Working with authorities and specialist organisations to secure assistance for victims;
Implementing corrective action and reviewing supplier relationships.

Senior management signing off the annual modern slavery review

Annual Review and Governance

This modern slavery statement is reviewed at least annually by the board and senior leadership team to evaluate effectiveness and update policies. The review examines audit results, incident reports, training completion rates, and supplier performance. Gardeners Vauxhall is committed to transparency and continual improvement: each annual review will refine our approach, strengthen supplier controls and enhance reporting mechanisms.

In conclusion, Vauxhall Gardeners reiterates its unwavering commitment to eliminating modern slavery from our operations and supply chain. We will continue to implement robust procedures, carry out supplier audits, maintain secure reporting channels, and perform regular annual reviews to ensure our zero-tolerance policy is meaningful, effective and enforced.