Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Highams Park

Gardeners Highams Park is committed to conducting its business in a manner that respects human rights and promotes fair and safe working conditions. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, and child labour. This commitment applies to every aspect of our business, including the people we employ directly and the organisations with which we work. We expect all staff, contractors, and suppliers to share this commitment and to act ethically and with integrity at all times.

Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery connected to Gardeners Highams Park will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of employment or commercial relationships, as well as referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Highams Park provides gardening and related outdoor services. Our supply chains include the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and certain professional services. While the overall risk of modern slavery within our direct operations is considered low, we recognise that risks may exist deeper within supply chains, particularly where products originate from higher-risk sectors or regions.

We are committed to identifying, assessing, and addressing these risks in a structured and ongoing way, working collaboratively with suppliers to improve transparency and labour standards.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We require our suppliers and contractors to uphold labour standards that are consistent with our own values and with applicable laws on employment and human rights. When entering or renewing commercial relationships, we assess suppliers on their approach to ethical labour practices and seek confirmation that they do not tolerate modern slavery in any form.

Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits or request evidence of their policies, processes, and due diligence relating to modern slavery and human trafficking. This may include reviewing their codes of conduct, staff training records, and risk assessments. If concerns are identified, we will seek corrective action plans and monitor progress. Persistent non-compliance or failure to remediate serious issues may result in the ending of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, contractors, and other stakeholders to speak up if they have any concerns or suspicions about modern slavery linked to our business or supply chains. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including direct reporting to managers or senior leadership, or via any established whistleblowing mechanisms we operate.

All reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where appropriate, we will cooperate with law enforcement and relevant agencies in investigating and addressing issues of modern slavery.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to raising awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and recruitment. Training and communication aim to help employees recognise potential indicators of exploitation and understand the steps they should take to report any concerns.

We continually review how we embed ethical practices into day-to-day decision-making and seek to strengthen our internal culture of responsibility and vigilance.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Highams Park. They review our policies, due diligence processes, and any reported incidents to ensure that our response is effective and proportionate.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to reflect changes in our business operations, emerging best practice, and evolving legal requirements. Following each review, we update our actions and priorities as needed to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance and to improve transparency within our supply chains.

This statement has been approved by the leadership of Gardeners Highams Park and represents our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our business.