Gardeners Hanwell Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Hanwell in recognition of our responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting business ethically, with integrity, and in full respect of human rights, ensuring that exploitation has no place in our organisation or the wider horticultural and gardening sector in which we operate.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Hanwell provides gardening, landscaping, and related maintenance services. Our activities involve the sourcing of plants, materials, tools, equipment, and associated services from a range of suppliers. These suppliers may be local, national, or international, and can include nurseries, wholesalers, hardware providers, labour agencies, and logistics partners. We recognise that modern slavery risks may arise where there is low-skilled, seasonal, or subcontracted labour, and where supply chains extend across multiple countries and tiers.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

We operate a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, workers, agency staff, contractors, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Hanwell. We expect everyone who works with us or on our behalf to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of ethical and lawful conduct.

Any breach of this policy by an employee may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Any supplier, contractor, or business partner found to be involved in, or turning a blind eye to, modern slavery will face immediate review of our relationship, which may include suspension, termination of contract, or reporting to the relevant authorities.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We are committed to understanding, assessing, and reducing the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains. As part of this commitment, we undertake proportionate due diligence on key suppliers, focusing particularly on those providing labour, plant materials from higher risk regions, and lower-cost goods where exploitation can be more prevalent.

Our due diligence measures may include requesting information on labour practices, workforce composition, and employment conditions; reviewing supplier codes of conduct and relevant certifications; and conducting site visits or remote assessments where appropriate and practical. We reserve the right to carry out audits of suppliers that pose a higher risk of modern slavery or where concerns have been raised. These audits are intended to verify that workers are engaged voluntarily, are paid lawfully, have freedom of movement, and work in safe and respectful conditions.

Where non-compliance or areas of concern are identified, we will work with the supplier to agree an improvement plan within a reasonable timeframe. If improvements are not made, or if serious violations are confirmed, we will consider suspending or ending the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Hanwell actively encourages the reporting of any concerns related to modern slavery or unethical labour practices, whether within our own operations or in our supply chains. Employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are expected to raise issues without delay if they suspect that modern slavery may be taking place.

Concerns can be reported directly to management or through our established internal reporting routes. We will treat all reports seriously and, where possible, confidentially. No one who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any detrimental treatment as a result. We are committed to investigating concerns promptly, taking appropriate remedial action, and, where necessary, liaising with external authorities.

Training and Awareness

To support the effective implementation of this statement, we provide guidance and awareness-raising for relevant staff, particularly those involved in procurement, contract management, and on-site supervision of workers. This includes information on the signs of modern slavery, how to respond to potential cases, and the importance of using only approved and vetted suppliers and labour providers.

We expect our managers and supervisors to lead by example and to reinforce our zero-tolerance stance, ensuring that modern slavery considerations are integrated into everyday decision-making and supplier selection processes.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with the senior management team at Gardeners Hanwell. They are accountable for ensuring that appropriate policies, due diligence procedures, and reporting mechanisms are in place and that these are implemented across the business.

We are committed to continual improvement. This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if required by changes in legislation, our business activities, or the level of risk identified in our supply chains. The review will consider the effectiveness of our actions, the outcomes of any audits or investigations, and any new measures needed to further reduce the risk of modern slavery.

By maintaining this structured, transparent, and vigilant approach, Gardeners Hanwell aims to play a positive role in the prevention of modern slavery and to support fair, safe, and lawful working conditions for all individuals connected with our operations.