Gardeners Swiss Cottage Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out Gardeners Swiss Cottage's commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, or human trafficking. Our anti-slavery position is fundamental to the values of Gardeners Swiss Cottage and underpins every decision we make when engaging with suppliers, contractors and temporary workers. This declaration describes our approach to identify, mitigate and manage the risk of exploitation across our gardening services, maintenance teams and supplier network.
Policy, Principles and Scope
Gardeners Swiss Cottage's anti-slavery policy applies to all employees, directors and the entire supply chain. We are clear that there is no place for coercion or exploitation in our business. Our policy requires compliance with applicable laws and includes clear expectations of suppliers. We provide training and resources so staff can spot signs of forced labour. The policy is supported by procurement safeguards, contractual clauses and ongoing risk-based assessments. We emphasise responsible recruitment practices and prohibit charging fees to workers for the right to work.
To achieve measurable outcomes we operate a robust supplier audit programme. Supplier audits and on-site inspections form a core part of our supply chain due diligence. We evaluate suppliers using risk indicators such as country of origin, sector risk and labour practices. Our supplier checks include:
- Verification of employment records and working hours
- Assessment of recruitment and sub-contracting arrangements
- Review of health and safety and accommodation where relevant
- Confirmation of wage payments and benefits
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We maintain confidential and accessible reporting channels to enable workers, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports can be raised through designated internal routes and are investigated promptly. We ensure allegations are assessed thoroughly and discreetly and that remedial action is taken where breaches of the anti-slavery standard are found. All records of concerns are kept securely and reviewed to improve prevention measures. Workers are encouraged to speak up and are protected by our non-retaliation principles.
Supplier audits are supported by a clear remediation framework. Where audits identify non-compliance, Gardeners Swiss Cottage will require corrective action plans, monitor implementation and, where necessary, suspend or terminate contracts. We favour collaborative remediation that secures immediate protections for affected workers. Re-audits and follow-up reviews form part of our enforcement process. Our procurement teams use risk-based prioritisation, focusing resources on higher-risk suppliers while supporting lower-risk partners to develop better practices through targeted guidance and capacity building.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement Gardeners Swiss Cottage undertakes an annual review of our modern slavery policies, supplier audit outcomes and training effectiveness. This review assesses the impact of our actions, updates risk assessments and informs strategy for the following year. We are committed to continuous improvement: enhancing due diligence, refining audit criteria and increasing transparency in our supply chain. Our anti-slavery statement—whether called the modern slavery statement for Gardeners Swiss Cottage or the GSC anti-slavery declaration—will be updated and republished to reflect progress and lessons learnt.
In summary, Gardeners Swiss Cottage's anti-slavery approach combines a zero-tolerance stance with practical measures: supplier audits, clear reporting channels, enforced corrective actions and an annual policy review. These measures form the framework of our commitment to prevent modern slavery in all its forms throughout our gardening services and supplier relationships.
