Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hanwell

At Gardeners Hanwell, we are committed to operating with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights across every part of our business. This Modern Slavery Statement explains the steps we take to prevent slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that even service-based organisations can be exposed to risks through recruitment, subcontracting, procurement, and the purchase of goods and materials. For that reason, zero tolerance is at the centre of our approach.

Our policy is clear: modern slavery will not be tolerated in any form. We expect all employees, contractors, and business partners to uphold the same ethical standards. Gardeners Hanwell applies proportionate controls to identify and reduce risk, including checks on labour practices, supplier conduct, and working conditions. We believe prevention is stronger than response alone, so our procedures are designed to encourage transparency and early intervention.

We also require all staff involved in hiring, procurement, and supplier management to understand the warning signs of exploitation. This includes being alert to restricted movement, withheld documents, unsafe living conditions, unusual payment structures, and evidence that workers are not free to leave employment. By maintaining awareness, Gardeners Hanwell strengthens its ability to act quickly and responsibly.

Supplier management is a key part of our commitment. We carry out supplier audits and due diligence checks where appropriate, especially for higher-risk goods and services. These reviews may include assessing labour policies, verifying business legitimacy, and confirming that subcontractors follow acceptable employment standards. Where concerns arise, we investigate further and expect corrective action within a reasonable timeframe.

We prefer to work with suppliers who demonstrate ethical sourcing, lawful recruitment, and fair treatment of workers. Contracts and procurement decisions consider not only price and quality, but also compliance with human rights expectations. If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we may suspend orders, require remediation, or end the relationship entirely. This measured but firm approach reinforces our zero-tolerance policy.

Our internal governance supports these commitments through documented procedures and management oversight. Senior staff review procurement risks and ensure that controls remain suitable for the scale of the business. Gardeners Hanwell understands that responsible practice is an ongoing duty, not a one-time exercise, and our controls are updated as risks change.

Reporting channels are available so that concerns can be raised without delay. Employees and contractors are encouraged to report any suspicion of exploitation, unsafe labour conditions, or unethical behaviour through internal reporting routes. Reports are handled seriously, investigated promptly, and treated as confidential where possible. No one should fear retaliation for making a genuine report.

We recognise that barriers to reporting can allow abuse to continue. For that reason, our culture promotes openness and accountability. Anyone who identifies a concern may escalate it through management, and serious matters are referred to the appropriate authorities when necessary. This helps ensure that potential issues connected to modern slavery risks are addressed as early as possible.

Training and awareness are important supports for these channels. By helping staff understand how exploitation can appear in day-to-day business, we improve the chance that concerns are recognised and reported. Gardeners Hanwell expects every team member to share responsibility for ethical conduct and to act if something does not seem right.

In line with good governance, this statement is reviewed annually. The annual review allows us to measure progress, identify weaknesses, and strengthen controls for the year ahead. During the review process, we assess supplier performance, incident trends, staff awareness, and any changes in legal or industry expectations.

The review also confirms whether our policies remain effective and proportionate. If new risks emerge, we will revise our procedures, improve training, and enhance supplier checks. Our aim is continuous improvement across the full value chain so that Gardeners Hanwell remains vigilant and responsible.

This statement reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical business practice, fair treatment, and human dignity. Through supplier audits, clear reporting channels, a strict zero-tolerance stance, and an annual review, Gardeners Hanwell works to reduce the risk of exploitation in all relevant areas of our work.