Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Highams Park

At Gardeners Highams Park, we are committed to conducting every part of our work ethically, responsibly, and with respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach to slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We recognise that gardeners in Highams Park and associated landscaping services rely on a wide network of suppliers, contractors, and support services, and we expect the highest standards from everyone involved.

Our Zero-Tolerance Policy

We maintain a clear policy that prohibits any form of modern slavery within our business. This applies to all employees, seasonal workers, subcontractors, and suppliers engaged by Highams Park gardeners. No one acting on our behalf may use coercion, deception, withheld wages, restricted movement, or any other abusive practice. Any breach of this standard is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of a contract, referral to the relevant authorities, or both.

Our approach begins with prevention. We carry out appropriate checks when onboarding new suppliers and monitor ongoing relationships for warning signs such as unusual employment conditions, unclear labour arrangements, or unexplained subcontracting. Where appropriate, our team requests evidence of lawful working practices, including documented recruitment processes and confirmation that workers are treated fairly. These checks help ensure that Gardeners Highams Park operates with integrity at every stage.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier oversight is a core part of our modern slavery controls. We conduct risk-based supplier audits to assess labour practices, payment procedures, worker welfare, and compliance with applicable laws. Higher-risk suppliers may be reviewed more frequently, and we reserve the right to request corrective action where concerns arise. If a supplier cannot demonstrate ethical labour standards, we will reconsider the relationship and take steps to protect people in the supply chain.

Our audits are designed to identify both direct and indirect risks. For example, we look for signs of debt bondage, excessive overtime, passport retention, or recruitment fees charged to workers. We also expect suppliers to share the same zero-tolerance expectations with their own subcontractors. In this way, garden care teams in Highams Park help promote responsible practice beyond our immediate business boundary.

Reporting Channels and Safeguarding Concerns

We encourage anyone connected to our work to raise concerns if they suspect exploitation or unsafe labour conditions. Reports may be made through internal management channels, and all concerns are handled seriously, sensitively, and confidentially where possible. No person who raises a genuine concern in good faith should suffer retaliation. This applies to workers, suppliers, and others involved in the delivery of services by gardeners Highams Park.

Where a report suggests possible modern slavery, we will investigate promptly, record the outcome, and take corrective action. That may include ending engagement with a supplier, improving training, strengthening audit requirements, or escalating the matter to safeguarding and legal authorities. Our aim is not only compliance, but also active protection of vulnerable people who may be at risk in the horticulture and landscaping sector.

We also provide training to relevant staff so they can recognise common indicators of exploitation and understand how to respond. This includes awareness of labour rights, ethical recruitment, and the responsibilities of supervisors and purchasing teams. By keeping these controls visible, Gardeners Highams Park reinforces a culture where respect, fairness, and accountability are expected every day.

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal and operational developments. As part of the review, we assess supplier performance, audit findings, reported concerns, and any lessons learned from incidents or industry changes. Our annual review helps us refine our procedures and strengthen protections across the business.

We believe modern slavery has no place in our organisation or in the wider supply network supporting our work. Through strict policies, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and regular review, Highams Park gardeners remain committed to ethical practice and responsible business conduct. This statement reflects our ongoing duty to safeguard dignity, fairness, and human rights in everything we do.