Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hackney Wick

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Hackney Wick to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Hackney Wick is committed to conducting all activities ethically, transparently, and in full respect of fundamental human rights. This statement covers our current financial year and will be reviewed and updated annually.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Hackney Wick operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking, and any practice that exploits vulnerable individuals. We are committed to ensuring that everyone who works for or with us does so freely, is treated with dignity and respect, and receives fair remuneration in safe working conditions.

Our zero-tolerance stance applies to all employees, temporary workers, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers. We expect our business partners to uphold the same high standards and we reserve the right to terminate relationships with any party that is found to be involved in modern slavery or serious labour rights abuses.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Hackney Wick provides gardening, landscaping, and related services. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, the sourcing of plants, soils, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services such as waste management and transport. We recognise that parts of the horticultural, manufacturing, and logistics sectors can be exposed to the risk of exploitative employment practices, particularly where multi-tier supply chains extend across different regions and jurisdictions.

We are committed to taking reasonable and proportionate steps to understand these risks and to work with suppliers that share our values on ethical sourcing and fair treatment of workers.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All new suppliers are assessed against our ethical sourcing expectations before any agreement is made. Gardeners Hackney Wick requires suppliers to confirm that they comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, and that they have their own controls in place to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking.

We conduct periodic audits and reviews of key suppliers, prioritising those operating in higher-risk sectors or locations. These audits may involve the review of employment records, working hours, wage practices, recruitment processes, and evidence of worker safeguarding. Where appropriate, we may also request information on subcontractors and production facilities further along the supply chain.

If any non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to agree an action plan with clear timescales. If the supplier is unable or unwilling to address the issues, we may suspend or end the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Hackney Wick encourages all employees, workers, and external partners to report any concerns or suspicions related to modern slavery or human trafficking. Reports may include concerns about working conditions, recruitment fees, withholding of documents, threats, or any indications that an individual may be under coercion or control.

We provide accessible internal reporting routes for staff and promote an open culture in which concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation. All reports are treated seriously and are handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially. We investigate concerns promptly and take appropriate remedial and disciplinary action where wrongdoing is identified.

We also expect suppliers to have their own reporting mechanisms and to encourage their workers to raise concerns safely. We may ask suppliers to demonstrate how they enable whistleblowing and protect those who speak up.

Training and Awareness

To support the effective implementation of this statement, Gardeners Hackney Wick provides training and guidance to relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and supply chain management. Training focuses on recognising indicators of modern slavery, understanding our policies, and knowing how to respond to concerns.

We promote awareness of modern slavery risks across the business so that our people understand the importance of due diligence and responsible sourcing. This includes communicating our expectations clearly to existing and new staff and integrating ethical considerations into everyday decision-making.

Monitoring, Accountability and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Hackney Wick. They are accountable for ensuring that adequate resources and systems are in place to implement this statement and that any identified risks are addressed effectively.

We review our modern slavery measures at least once every year. This annual review assesses the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting mechanisms. We consider any incidents, feedback from workers and suppliers, changes in legislation, and evolving good practice. Where improvements are identified, we update our processes and communicate changes across the business and, where relevant, to our suppliers.

Gardeners Hackney Wick is committed to continuous improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. We recognise that addressing these complex issues requires ongoing vigilance, collaboration, and a firm commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.