Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Footscray
Gardeners Footscray is committed to conducting business with integrity, respect, and accountability. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address the risks of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can take many forms, including forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, deceptive recruitment, and other exploitative practices. Our commitment applies across all areas of the business, from procurement to service delivery, and reflects our belief that every worker deserves dignity, fairness, and safe conditions. Ethical business practice is not optional; it is a core standard guiding how Gardeners Footscray operates.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery and any conduct that enables or conceals it. This means we will not knowingly engage with suppliers, contractors, or partners involved in exploitative labour practices. Our procurement decisions consider both price and ethical performance, ensuring that our supply arrangements support lawful and fair treatment of workers. All team members are expected to uphold this standard, and managers are responsible for reinforcing it through training, supervision, and documented procedures. The approach taken by our Footscray gardening service is designed to promote transparency, due diligence, and continuous improvement.
To support this commitment, we assess risk across our operations and supply chain. 
We review the countries, sectors, and labour practices associated with the goods and services we purchase, with extra attention given to higher-risk categories. Where concerns are identified, we require corrective action and may suspend or terminate the relationship if issues are not addressed. Our records are kept in a way that allows us to track supplier performance and audit outcomes over time. In this way, the standards of Gardener Footscray remain aligned with responsible sourcing expectations.
Supplier oversight is a key part of our framework. We conduct supplier audits on a risk-based schedule, using questionnaires, document checks, and, where appropriate, site inspections or third-party verification. Audits are intended to confirm that suppliers comply with wage, working-hours, recruitment, age-verification, and worker protection requirements. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable controls, we work with them to improve, but we also reserve the right to end the relationship where serious breaches are found. This measured but firm process helps the Footscray gardeners network uphold ethical standards throughout the supply chain.
We also require our direct suppliers to flow down these expectations to their own subcontractors and labour providers. This extended responsibility is important because modern slavery risks may exist further down the supply chain, beyond immediate visibility. By asking suppliers to maintain records, verify worker identity, and evidence lawful recruitment practices, we strengthen the overall resilience of our business. The result is a more accountable Gardeners in Footscray model that prioritises prevention rather than reaction.
Reporting and speaking up are essential parts of this statement. We provide confidential reporting channels so that employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders can raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or unethical conduct without fear of retaliation. Reports are reviewed promptly, investigated fairly, and escalated to senior management where necessary. Where an allegation indicates immediate risk to workers, we act quickly to secure welfare, preserve evidence, and cooperate with relevant authorities when appropriate. 
This process supports trust across our operations and strengthens the integrity of Footscray Gardeners.
Training is provided to relevant staff so they can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, unexplained deductions, document retention, or inconsistent employment conditions. Team members involved in procurement and supplier management receive additional guidance on evaluating risk and documenting due diligence. We also encourage a culture in which concerns are treated seriously and addressed without delay. These measures help ensure that the practices of Gardeners Footscray remain consistent with our broader responsibility to protect human rights and support lawful employment.
This statement will be subject to an annual review by management to confirm its continued relevance and effectiveness. During the review, we examine audit results, incident reports, supplier performance, training completion, and any changes in legal or industry expectations. Where improvements are identified, we update our procedures and strengthen controls accordingly. Our aim is to maintain a living framework that responds to emerging risks and demonstrates ongoing accountability. The commitment of Gardeners Footscray is clear: we will continue to monitor, improve, and uphold ethical standards in every part of our business.