Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Herne Hill

Gardeners Herne Hill is committed to conducting business with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by our gardening service to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that responsible horticulture depends on ethical employment practices, transparent purchasing, and a culture where every worker is treated with dignity.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all staff, contractors, seasonal workers, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Herne Hill. We do not permit any form of slavery, servitude, debt bondage, or child labour. Gardeners Herne Hill expects the same high standards from anyone acting on our behalf, and breaches of this policy are treated as a serious matter that may lead to immediate termination of a relationship or contract.

We maintain clear internal procedures to help identify and manage risk across our activities, including landscaping, maintenance, planting, and the sourcing of tools, materials, and consumables. This includes careful checks on labour practices, working hours, wage arrangements, and the use of subcontractors. Where concerns arise, they are investigated promptly and documented to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Supplier oversight is a core part of our approach. Herne Hill gardeners source materials only from providers who can demonstrate lawful and ethical employment practices. We expect all suppliers to comply with applicable labour laws and to share evidence of their own anti-slavery controls where relevant. Supplier audits may be conducted on a risk-based basis, with higher-risk categories receiving additional scrutiny.

These audits may include reviewing payroll records, right-to-work documentation, subcontracting arrangements, and worker welfare processes. If a supplier cannot meet our requirements, we will seek corrective action within a defined timeframe. Where improvement is not possible, we will consider ending the business relationship. Gardeners in Herne Hill believes that ethical sourcing supports both quality service and social responsibility.

We also encourage open communication with staff and contractors so that any unusual labour concerns are identified early. This can include signs such as workers being unable to leave their job freely, unexplained deductions from pay, or restricted access to personal documents. Early detection is essential in preventing harm and ensuring that our standards remain effective in practice.

Reporting Channels and Responsibility

All workers are expected to report any suspected breach of this statement without delay. Gardeners Herne Hill provides reporting channels that allow concerns to be raised internally and confidentially, with issues escalated to responsible management for review. Reports may relate to our own operations or to the conduct of suppliers, subcontractors, or labour providers.

We protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith and do not tolerate retaliation, intimidation, or disadvantage as a result of speaking up. Gardeners Herne Hill services rely on trust, and that trust is strengthened when people feel able to report concerns safely. All reports are handled sensitively, investigated fairly, and recorded with appropriate confidentiality.

When a concern is confirmed, we respond proportionately. This may involve immediate removal of workers from risk, suspension of a supplier, a corrective action plan, or termination of an arrangement where serious abuse has occurred. Our aim is not only compliance, but the active prevention of exploitation throughout the work associated with Gardeners Herne Hill.

Training, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We provide relevant awareness to those involved in recruitment, procurement, and contract management so that potential indicators of modern slavery can be recognised. Training focuses on practical responsibilities, including how to question unusual labour arrangements and how to escalate concerns promptly. This helps ensure that anti-slavery principles are embedded in day-to-day decision-making.

Our statement is reviewed annually to confirm that it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with current legal and operational requirements. The review considers any incidents, audit findings, supplier assessments, and changes in our service model. Where necessary, we update controls to strengthen protection against abuse and improve accountability across the business.

Gardeners Herne Hill is committed to continual improvement and will keep refining its procedures to uphold ethical standards. Through firm policy, supplier scrutiny, confidential reporting, and regular review, we aim to ensure that our gardening services are delivered responsibly and free from modern slavery in any form.