Gardeners Hatch End Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Hatch End to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a gross violation of fundamental human rights. Gardeners Hatch End is committed to ensuring that all work is voluntary, fairly paid, and carried out in safe and respectful conditions.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Hatch End operates a clear and uncompromising zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with or support any organisation, individual, or activity that benefits from forced labour, debt bondage, child labour that is exploitative or illegal, or any form of trafficking.

All directors, managers, employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to uphold this policy. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of employment, contract, or business relationship.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Hatch End provides gardening and related services. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, the sourcing of plants, soils, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services such as logistics, cleaning, and maintenance. We recognise that some sectors and regions present higher risks of labour exploitation, and we focus our due diligence efforts accordingly.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers to share our commitment to ethical labour practices and to comply with applicable labour, human rights, and health and safety legislation in the countries where they operate. Our supplier standards prohibit the use of forced, bonded, trafficked, or child labour that is exploitative, and require fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.

Gardeners Hatch End conducts proportionate risk-based due diligence on suppliers. This may include pre-qualification questionnaires, self-assessment forms, and requests for evidence of policies and certifications. For higher risk suppliers or regions, we may undertake on-site audits or request third-party audit reports. Where concerns are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address serious issues in a timely and transparent manner, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We aim to ensure that key staff understand the risks and indicators of modern slavery, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided to help employees recognise warning signs, ask the right questions, and respond appropriately where concerns are raised.

We also communicate our expectations to suppliers and contractors so they are aware of our zero-tolerance stance and the standards they must meet to continue working with Gardeners Hatch End.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Hatch End encourages all employees, workers within our supply chains, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking. Concerns may include suspected exploitation, abusive working conditions, retention of identity documents, or any practice that restricts a person’s freedom of movement or choice of employment.

Reports can be made through internal reporting channels, including raising issues with line managers or senior management. We are committed to handling all reports sensitively, fairly, and as confidentially as possible. We will not tolerate any form of victimisation or retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith, whether those concerns are ultimately substantiated or not.

Risk Management and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing process. Gardeners Hatch End regularly assesses the risk of modern slavery in our operations and supply chains, considering factors such as geography, sector, and the nature of the goods and services supplied. Where heightened risks are identified, we increase our level of scrutiny and engagement with suppliers.

We are committed to continuous improvement and may enhance our procedures, training, and supplier requirements as our understanding of modern slavery risks develops and as best practice evolves.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Hatch End. The review considers the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms, as well as any incidents or concerns raised during the previous year.

Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we update our procedures and communicate changes to relevant staff and suppliers. By reviewing and updating this statement on a regular basis, Gardeners Hatch End aims to strengthen our response to modern slavery risks and uphold our responsibilities to workers throughout our operations and supply chains.