Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Hampstead Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Hampstead to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, transparently, and in compliance with applicable laws relating to modern slavery and human rights.
Gardeners Hampstead provides gardening, landscaping, and related services, and we recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise at multiple points within our supply chain, including the sourcing of materials, tools, plants, and subcontracted services. We actively seek to identify, prevent, and address any such risks.
Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery
Gardeners Hampstead has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We do not accept, support, or condone any practice that exploits people or denies them their fundamental rights and freedoms.
All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act in alignment with our values and with this policy. Failure to comply may result in termination of contracts, cessation of work, and reporting to relevant authorities where appropriate. We will not knowingly engage with any individual or organisation involved in modern slavery.
Our Supply Chain and Supplier Expectations
Our supply chain includes providers of plants, soil, tools, machinery, protective equipment, transport, and specialist subcontracted services. We aim to build long-term relationships with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical conduct and respect for human rights.
Suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We expect them to ensure that workers are employed voluntarily, paid fairly, work in safe conditions, and have freedom of movement and association. We expect suppliers to extend these standards to their own supply chains.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Gardeners Hampstead conducts due diligence on new and existing suppliers to assess their approach to labour practices and human rights. This may include requesting information about their own policies, procedures, and workforce conditions, as well as evaluating their reputation and track record.
We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers where we consider there to be a risk of non-compliance with our modern slavery standards. These audits may be announced or unannounced and may involve document reviews, site visits, and discussions with management and workers. Where issues are identified, we will work with the supplier on corrective action plans within reasonable timeframes. If progress is insufficient or issues are severe, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.
Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities
Senior management at Gardeners Hampstead is responsible for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and ensuring that modern slavery risks are appropriately addressed. Managers involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management are expected to understand the indicators of modern slavery and to act promptly on any concerns.
We provide guidance and awareness-raising to relevant staff so they can recognise signs of exploitation, understand our zero-tolerance stance, and know how to respond. This includes highlighting high-risk areas, such as outsourced services, seasonal work, and low-wage labour in supply chains.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels
Gardeners Hampstead encourages all employees, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chains. Concerns may relate to working conditions, recruitment practices, documentation retention, excessive working hours, or any form of coercion or exploitation.
Reports can be made directly to management or through existing internal reporting and grievance mechanisms. We treat all concerns seriously and investigate them promptly and fairly. We are committed to protecting individuals who raise concerns in good faith from retaliation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up.
Continuous Improvement and Annual Review
Gardeners Hampstead recognises that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility that requires vigilance and continuous improvement. We are committed to regularly reviewing and enhancing our policies, due diligence processes, and training to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face.
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management. As part of the review, we consider changes in our business activities, updates to relevant legislation and guidance, feedback from stakeholders, and any issues identified through audits or reports. Where necessary, we will update our practices and this statement to reflect our evolving approach to preventing modern slavery.
This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Hampstead and reflects our ongoing commitment to operating as a responsible and ethical business.
