Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Upton
Gardeners Upton is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and responsibility. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and any other form of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. As a trusted gardening service provider, we recognise that ethical practice must be embedded in every decision we make, from procurement to project delivery.
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners. We do not accept any involvement in modern slavery, whether direct or indirect. Gardeners Upton expects every person working with us to uphold legal and ethical standards, and we will act immediately where concerns arise. This includes refusing relationships with organisations that fail to meet our standards or that are unable to demonstrate clear controls against exploitation.
We carry out supplier audits and risk assessments to better understand where slavery or trafficking could occur in our supply chain. 
These checks may include document reviews, policy verification, workforce monitoring, and site-based assessment where appropriate. We give extra attention to higher-risk areas such as seasonal labour, outsourced services, and labour-intensive supply routes. If a supplier cannot show adequate safeguards, we may require corrective action or end the relationship.
Our approach is supported by clear reporting channels that allow concerns to be raised safely and promptly. 
Anyone connected with Gardening Upton can report suspected breaches through internal management routes, and all reports are taken seriously. We encourage early disclosure and protect individuals who speak up in good faith. Retaliation, intimidation, or concealment of concerns is not tolerated under any circumstances.
Responsibility and due diligence
We expect all staff to remain alert to warning signs such as restricted movement, unusual dependency on intermediaries, excessive working hours, withheld identity documents, or signs of coercion. To strengthen our due diligence, Gardeners at Upton reviews onboarding records, supplier declarations, and labour arrangements where relevant. Training is provided so that teams can recognise risks and understand how to escalate issues quickly and appropriately.
Our procurement process also supports prevention. 
Before entering into new agreements, we assess whether a supplier shares our values and can comply with our standards. We prefer long-term partnerships with responsible organisations that demonstrate transparency and a willingness to improve. Where weaknesses are identified, we seek remedial action plans and monitor progress closely.
Annual review and continuous improvement
The effectiveness of this statement and our wider anti-slavery controls is reviewed annually. 
Each review considers changes in legislation, the nature of our work, supplier performance, and any incidents or concerns raised during the year. This helps us strengthen our approach and ensure that our safeguards remain relevant and effective. The findings inform updates to policies, training, and supplier management practices.
Gardeners Upton is determined to maintain a culture of accountability, openness, and respect. Our commitment to preventing modern slavery is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing responsibility. By applying a firm zero-tolerance policy, maintaining diligent supplier audits, supporting secure reporting channels, and undertaking an annual review, we aim to protect people across our business and supply chain. This statement reflects our continued commitment to ethical conduct and to responsible gardening services delivered with care and integrity.