Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hanworth
Gardeners Hanworth is committed to conducting all aspects of its work with integrity, dignity, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by our gardening services operation to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking in our business and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can affect any sector, including landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticultural supply networks, and we take a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation.
Our approach applies to employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers involved in the delivery of Gardeners Hanworth services. We expect everyone acting on our behalf to uphold fair employment practices, lawful working hours, safe conditions, and transparent recruitment. Where concerns are identified, they are treated seriously, investigated promptly, and addressed without delay. Compliance with this statement is part of our wider commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.
We understand that risk may arise in areas such as seasonal labour, outsourced transport, plant procurement, waste handling, and material sourcing. To reduce these risks, Gardeners Hanworth applies due diligence checks during supplier onboarding and periodically thereafter. These checks consider labour practices, wage compliance, identity verification processes, and the use of subcontractors. If a supplier cannot demonstrate acceptable standards, we will not begin or continue the relationship.
Supplier monitoring is supported through supplier audits, either planned or, where appropriate, unannounced. These audits may include document reviews, workforce interviews, site inspections, and assessments of recruitment records. The purpose is to ensure that workers are treated lawfully and that no hidden exploitation exists within the supply chain. Findings are recorded, improvement actions are agreed, and follow-up reviews are carried out to confirm progress.
We also require our suppliers to confirm that they share our ethical standards and that they have their own controls in place to prevent modern slavery. This includes clear employment terms, age verification, and a prohibition on charging workers for placement or recruitment fees. Gardeners Hanworth prefers to work with partners who can evidence responsible sourcing and open cooperation. In higher-risk categories, additional scrutiny is applied before any materials are purchased or services are engaged.
Training and internal awareness are important parts of our response. Managers and relevant team members are encouraged to remain alert to signs such as restricted movement, unexplained fear, poor accommodation, missing documentation, or inconsistent pay information. Gardeners Hanworth believes that informed staff are better able to identify risks early. We therefore promote a culture in which safeguarding concerns are raised quickly and handled with care.
Our reporting channels are designed to make it easy for workers, suppliers, and others connected to the business to raise concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Reports may be made through line management, senior oversight, or other internal routes established for whistleblowing and safeguarding. All reports are treated confidentially where possible, and no individual will face retaliation for raising a genuine concern in good faith. Any allegation is reviewed promptly, and appropriate action is taken based on the facts established.
If a credible risk or incident is identified, Gardeners Hanworth will act decisively. This may include stopping work with a supplier, requesting corrective action, notifying relevant authorities, or supporting remedial steps where appropriate. We recognise that meaningful action is essential not only to protect people directly affected, but also to improve standards across the broader gardening and maintenance supply chain. Our response is guided by legality, fairness, and the need to prevent recurrence.
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with changing risks, operational practices, and legal expectations. The annual review considers audit findings, reported concerns, supplier performance, and any developments in responsible sourcing practice. Gardeners Hanworth will update its controls where needed and will continue strengthening its commitment to preventing exploitation. Through consistent oversight, ethical procurement, and active vigilance, we aim to support a safe and lawful working environment across all areas of our service.