Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hadley Wood

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Hadley Wood to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to promote ethical practices across the gardening and landscaping services we provide.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Hadley Wood adopts a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not and will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in such practices. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery does not occur within our own operations or in our supply chains.

All directors, employees, contractors and temporary workers are expected to share this commitment. We make it clear that involvement in, or facilitation of, modern slavery is grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may be reported to the relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Hadley Wood provides gardening, maintenance and landscaping services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, soil, aggregates, tools, machinery, uniforms and other related materials and services from a range of suppliers. While our operations are relatively local and small to medium in scale, we acknowledge that risks can exist at any level of the supply chain, including where suppliers import goods, employ seasonal workers or subcontract services.

We aim to work with suppliers who share our values and demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical employment, fair pay and safe working conditions.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to comply with applicable labour, employment and human rights laws and to maintain practices that prevent modern slavery. As part of our supplier management, we are strengthening due diligence to assess the risk of modern slavery and take appropriate steps to mitigate those risks.

Where proportionate to the size and nature of the relationship, we may request information from suppliers about their own modern slavery policies, codes of conduct and employment practices. We reserve the right to conduct audits or request independent assessments to verify compliance with our standards. If any supplier is found to be involved in modern slavery, or fails to cooperate with our efforts to address potential issues, we will take corrective action which may include suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery among our team. Where appropriate, we provide guidance so that managers and workers can recognise the signs of exploitation and understand the steps to take if they have concerns. This includes awareness of risks such as debt bondage, withholding of identity documents, excessive overtime, unsafe conditions and restrictions on freedom of movement.

We will continue to review training needs and provide additional support where our risk assessments indicate heightened exposure to modern slavery risks, such as where new supplier relationships are formed or new services are introduced.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage employees, suppliers, subcontractors and any other stakeholders to report concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised through management or other established internal reporting channels. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.

All reports of suspected modern slavery will be investigated promptly. If an issue is identified, we will take appropriate corrective steps, which may include engagement with the relevant supplier, notification to authorities, and measures to protect any affected individuals.

Monitoring, Accountability and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management of Gardeners Hadley Wood. They are accountable for reviewing our policies, assessing risks, monitoring supplier practices and ensuring that appropriate responses are implemented where concerns are identified.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every year to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, our business operations and the nature of our supply chains. As part of the annual review, we will evaluate the effectiveness of our measures, consider any incidents or concerns raised, and identify opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, we will update our procedures, contracts and training to strengthen our ability to prevent and address modern slavery.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Hadley Wood affirms its ongoing commitment to maintaining a responsible, transparent and ethical approach to business, and to playing its part in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.