Gardeners Hainault Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Hainault to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings.

Modern slavery is a crime and a grave violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, child labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Hainault is committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery in any part of our business or in the supply chains that support our services.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Hainault maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy toward any form of modern slavery or human trafficking. This applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. We expect everyone who works with us or on our behalf to share this commitment.

Our zero-tolerance stance means we will not knowingly engage with any individual, organisation, or supplier involved in practices that constitute modern slavery or that fail to uphold basic human rights and labour standards. Where credible concerns arise, we will investigate promptly and, where necessary, suspend or terminate relationships.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

We assess the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains by considering the nature of the services we provide, the locations in which our suppliers operate, and the types of labour involved. This enables us to identify higher-risk areas where enhanced checks and monitoring may be required.

As part of our due diligence, we take reasonable steps to understand the labour practices of our suppliers and service partners. We expect them to comply with all relevant labour, employment, and human rights laws and to maintain policies and procedures that actively prevent forced or trafficked labour.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardeners Hainault requires suppliers to operate in a manner consistent with our values and our zero-tolerance approach. We communicate our expectations clearly and, where appropriate, incorporate these standards into our contractual arrangements.

We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence from suppliers to demonstrate compliance with modern slavery legislation and ethical labour practices. These audits may include reviews of employment records, confirmation of workers collective bargaining rights, verification of age and identity checks, and examinations of recruitment and subcontracting processes.

If a supplier is unable or unwilling to provide adequate assurance that modern slavery is not present in its operations or supply chains, we will take appropriate action, which may include requiring corrective measures, suspension of work, or ending the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Hainault encourages open communication and expects all employees, workers, and business partners to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of modern slavery at the earliest possible stage.

Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior managers, or through established internal reporting channels. Reports can be made in confidence, and we will take all reasonable steps to protect those who raise genuine concerns from any form of retaliation or detrimental treatment.

All allegations or indications of modern slavery will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and managed with sensitivity. Where appropriate, we will refer matters to the relevant authorities and fully cooperate with any external investigations.

Training and Awareness

We aim to build awareness among our employees and management so they can recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond. Training and guidance are provided where appropriate, especially to those involved in procurement, supplier management, recruitment, and site supervision.

By promoting awareness, we seek to create a culture where ethical practices are embedded and potential risks are identified and addressed early.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the management of Gardeners Hainault. The review considers any changes in our business operations, updates to legislation, evolving best practice, and any issues or incidents reported during the year.

We are committed to continuous improvement and will enhance our processes, training, and supplier engagement where necessary to strengthen the prevention of modern slavery. Any significant changes to our approach or procedures will be reflected in an updated version of this statement, which will be approved at a senior level.

Gardeners Hainault remains fully committed to acting ethically, upholding human dignity, and playing our part in eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking from our business and wider supply chains.