Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is made by Gardeners Chadwell Heath in respect of our financial year and outlines the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Chadwell Heath provides gardening and grounds maintenance services and recognises its responsibility to ensure ethical and lawful labour practices.

Modern slavery is a crime and a gross violation of fundamental human rights. It can include slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Chadwell Heath is committed to acting with integrity in all business dealings and to implementing and enforcing systems and controls to ensure modern slavery has no place in our organisation or in our supply chains.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Chadwell Heath operates a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We expect the same high standards from all those we work with, including employees, subcontractors, labour agencies, and suppliers of goods, materials, and services.

No form of forced, bonded, or involuntary labour is tolerated. Workers must be free to leave their employment in line with local laws and must not be required to pay recruitment fees or surrender identity documents as a condition of work. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter that can result in disciplinary action, including termination of contracts or business relationships.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, suppliers of plants, tools, equipment, uniforms, vehicles, and outsourced services such as waste management and specialist contractors. Gardeners Chadwell Heath is committed to working only with reputable suppliers who share our commitment to ethical labour practices.

All new suppliers are assessed against our ethical standards as part of our onboarding process. We communicate our zero-tolerance policy to suppliers and require them to operate in compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. We expect suppliers to cascade these requirements through their own supply chains.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

To support our commitment, Gardeners Chadwell Heath undertakes proportionate due diligence and supplier audits. This may include requesting evidence of labour practices, reviewing policies and procedures, and, where appropriate, visiting supplier premises to assess working conditions.

We prioritise audits where there is a higher risk of modern slavery, considering factors such as the nature of the goods or services provided, geographic location, and the use of temporary or migrant labour. Where issues are identified, we will work collaboratively with suppliers to remedy concerns within a reasonable timeframe. If a supplier fails to demonstrate sufficient improvement or cooperation, we may suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Chadwell Heath encourages all employees, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking at the earliest possible stage. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels, including line managers or senior management, without fear of victimisation or retaliation.

All reports of potential modern slavery will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. Where appropriate, we will involve relevant authorities and cooperate fully with any official investigations. We are committed to protecting any person who raises a concern in good faith.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

Managers and key personnel responsible for procurement, supplier management, and recruitment are made aware of the risks of modern slavery and the steps required to mitigate those risks. Responsibilities for implementing and overseeing our anti-slavery measures rest with senior management, who ensure that appropriate controls and procedures remain in place and are effective.

We aim to foster a culture where ethical conduct is valued and where individuals understand that preventing modern slavery is a shared responsibility across the organisation and its partners.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Chadwell Heath is committed to continuous improvement in tackling modern slavery risks. We regularly review our policies, due diligence processes, and supplier engagement methods to ensure they remain appropriate and effective as our business and supply chains evolve.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed and updated annually by senior management to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and any lessons learned from our ongoing monitoring and auditing activities. The updated statement is approved at the highest management level and made available to employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

By maintaining a robust zero-tolerance policy, conducting supplier audits, providing clear reporting channels, and committing to annual review, Gardeners Chadwell Heath strives to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our organisation or supply chains.