Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hackney Wick
Gardeners Hackney Wick is committed to conducting business with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out the steps we take to prevent forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, and any form of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. We recognise that even local gardening services can rely on products, materials, transport, and subcontracted support that may carry modern slavery risks, so we apply a clear zero-tolerance policy to any abuse of labour rights.
Our approach is built on prevention, monitoring, and accountability. Gardeners in Hackney Wick are expected to uphold ethical standards in every task, from sourcing soil and plants to using equipment and arranging waste removal. We require all workers, suppliers, and contractors to act lawfully, treat people fairly, and avoid any practices that could lead to coercion, debt bondage, withheld wages, or unsafe working conditions. Any breach of these expectations is taken seriously and may result in immediate review or termination of the relationship.
We assess modern slavery risk by considering the nature of each supply chain, the location of suppliers, and the vulnerability of workers involved. 
This includes checking for unusual recruitment fees, poor record-keeping, lack of right-to-work evidence, and signs that individuals may not be working freely. Where risks are identified, Gardeners Hackney Wick increases scrutiny, requests corrective action, and may refuse to continue working with the party concerned.
Supplier due diligence is a key part of our statement. We expect suppliers to confirm compliance with labour laws and to share relevant policies where appropriate. Supplier audits are conducted on a risk-based basis, with higher-risk suppliers reviewed more frequently. These audits may include document checks, contract reviews, site assessments, and workforce interviews where suitable, helping us confirm that workers are employed voluntarily and paid fairly for their work.
During audits, we look for evidence of ethical recruitment, proper age verification, safe working hours, and lawful pay arrangements. If a supplier cannot demonstrate compliance, we require a corrective action plan with clear deadlines. Repeated failure to improve may lead to suspension or removal from our approved supplier base. Gardeners Hackney Wick also encourages suppliers to build their own responsible sourcing controls so that ethical standards are maintained beyond the first tier of the supply chain.
We also provide accessible reporting channels so that concerns can be raised quickly and without fear of retaliation. Any employee, contractor, or supplier representative who suspects modern slavery, unsafe labour practices, or related misconduct is encouraged to report it through internal management routes or designated safeguarding processes. Reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly, with appropriate action taken where evidence supports the concern.
Our reporting process supports anonymity where possible and protects whistleblowers from victimisation. Gardeners Hackney Wick makes it clear that retaliation against anyone raising a genuine concern is unacceptable. We aim to create a culture where people feel confident to speak up early, enabling us to address potential issues before harm escalates. All concerns are recorded, reviewed, and escalated to senior oversight when necessary.
Training and awareness are important parts of our prevention strategy. Managers and relevant team members are briefed on the indicators of modern slavery, including restricted movement, inconsistent pay information, and signs of intimidation. By keeping awareness high, Gardeners Hackney Wick strengthens its ability to identify problems within gardening operations, procurement, and subcontracted work. We also review supplier contracts to ensure ethical obligations are clearly stated and enforceable.
We measure the effectiveness of these measures through supplier reviews, audit outcomes, incident logs, and training completion. Any corrective actions are tracked to completion and used to inform future decisions. This helps us maintain a consistent standard of responsible business conduct and reinforces our commitment to prevent exploitation in all forms.
Annual review is a formal part of our governance. 
This statement and the controls behind it are reviewed at least once every year, or sooner if business needs, legislation, or risk profiles change. The review considers audit findings, new supplier information, reports received, and any lessons learned from investigations. Updates are then used to improve our procedures and strengthen our safeguards.
Gardeners Hackney Wick remains dedicated to continuous improvement, ethical trade, and respect for human dignity. Through proactive supplier audits, reliable reporting channels, and a robust zero-tolerance policy, we seek to ensure that our work as Gardeners in Hackney Wick never contributes to exploitation. Our responsibility is ongoing, and we will continue to act decisively wherever risks are identified.