Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Botany Bay

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Botany Bay in respect of the financial year ending on 31 December and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Botany Bay is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Botany Bay has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any practice that exploits individuals or undermines their fundamental rights. We expect the same high standards from all parties we work with, including suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors, and other business partners.

No form of modern slavery will be knowingly tolerated in any part of our operations. Where concerns are identified, we will take prompt, proportionate, and decisive action, which may include remediation steps, suspension of relationships, or termination of contracts where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Botany Bay operates within the gardening and horticultural sector, providing products and services to a range of customers. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, and related services from domestic and international suppliers.

We recognise that some of the regions and industries from which we source may present higher risks of labour exploitation. Accordingly, we are working to identify, assess, and address these risks systematically and transparently.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are implementing supplier standards that require our suppliers to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to align with our own zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery. These standards form part of our supplier onboarding and ongoing management processes.

Gardeners Botany Bay undertakes risk-based supplier audits and assessments to monitor compliance. These may include site visits where appropriate, document reviews, and structured discussions with management and, where possible, workers. Where risks or non-compliance are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and monitor their implementation. Persistent or serious non-compliance may result in the suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Internal Controls, Training, and Due Diligence

We are developing internal policies and procedures to support our modern slavery commitments, including guidance for employees involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment. These controls are designed to ensure that decisions are taken with awareness of human rights risks and in line with our values.

Training will be provided to relevant employees to help them recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand our reporting channels, and apply our supplier standards consistently. We will continue to refine our due diligence processes as our understanding of risks and best practice evolves.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Botany Bay encourages employees, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about possible instances of modern slavery or unethical labour practices in our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting channels or directly to senior management.

Reports may be made in confidence, and we will treat all concerns seriously and sensitively. We do not tolerate retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, and we will seek to protect the identity of whistleblowers as far as is reasonably practicable.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that addressing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility, and we are committed to continuous improvement. Gardeners Botany Bay will review this Modern Slavery Statement annually to assess the effectiveness of our actions, update our approach, and set future priorities.

The annual review will consider feedback from audits, reports received through our channels, stakeholder engagement, and changes in legislation or industry best practice. Where necessary, we will revise our policies, training, and supplier requirements to strengthen our safeguards and further reduce the risk of modern slavery.

This Modern Slavery Statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Botany Bay and reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical conduct and the protection of human rights across our business activities and supply chains.