Gardeners Hackney Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Hackney publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm our commitment to preventing forced labour and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement sets out how Gardeners Hackney will identify, mitigate and monitor risks of modern slavery and exploitation across our gardening, landscaping and maintenance services. We use the term modern slavery statement, Modern Slavery Statement and modern slavery policy interchangeably to ensure clarity for all stakeholders.
Zero-tolerance policy
Our organisation operates a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of slavery, servitude, forced labour and human trafficking. All employees, contractors and suppliers must adhere to our mandatory standards of conduct. We make clear that any breach of this anti-slavery policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract termination for suppliers, and potential referral to authorities where appropriate.
Gardeners Hackney requires all business partners to acknowledge and comply with our position on labour standards. Our supplier code of conduct sets expectations for fair pay, humane working hours and voluntary employment. We will not tolerate the charging of recruitment fees, retention of identity documents, or any form of unlawful restriction of freedom. Where breaches are identified, we will take proportionate and timely remedial action.
We apply a risk-based approach to due diligence and supplier management throughout the procurement lifecycle. Supplier audits and checks are a core part of our controls: we carry out remote and on-site assessments, request supporting documentation and verify worker records. Regular supplier audits include checks on payroll, contracts, health and safety records and accommodation arrangements where relevant.
Reporting channels are available and actively promoted. Workers, contractors and third parties can raise concerns through anonymous and confidential reporting lines, internal HR routes, or via designated compliance contacts. We protect whistleblowers against retaliation and provide multiple safe channels:
- Internal secure email and reporting portal
- Anonymous hotline operated by a third party
- Direct reporting to a nominated compliance officer
Gardeners Hackney integrates modern slavery risk into supplier selection and contract clauses. Standard agreements include explicit anti-slavery provisions, rights to audit, and defined corrective action plans. We prioritise transparency and collaboration and ask suppliers to demonstrate continuous improvement. In higher-risk categories we require enhanced scrutiny and may implement third-party independent audits.
Training, monitoring and performance
We provide targeted training for procurement, site managers and relevant staff to raise awareness of indicators of exploitation and the processes for escalation. Training is refreshed periodically and adapted to emerging risks. Monitoring includes regular reviews of supplier performance metrics, audit outcomes and remedial action completion rates.
Our governance framework ensures senior management oversight. Responsibility for this anti-slavery statement rests with the Board and the designated compliance lead who reviews findings from supplier audits, incident investigations and risk assessments. We maintain clear accountability, with records of actions taken and decisions made to address any non-compliance.
Annual review: Gardeners Hackney will review this modern slavery and human trafficking statement at least once every year to assess effectiveness and update measures. The annual review considers audit results, reported incidents, improvements implemented and evolving legal and sectoral expectations. We will refine our approach, enhance controls and communicate any significant changes in policy or practice.
In conclusion, Gardeners Hackney is committed to continuous improvement in preventing modern slavery in all its forms. Our zero tolerance stance, systematic supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and yearly policy review create a framework designed to reduce risk and respond swiftly where concerns arise. This statement is made in good faith and reflects our ongoing work to safeguard workers and uphold human rights across our supply chains.
