Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Harold Wood Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Harold Wood to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. Gardeners Harold Wood is committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all business relationships and to implementing effective systems and controls to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our organisation or among our suppliers.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Harold Wood provides gardening and grounds maintenance services to residential, commercial, and community clients. Our activities involve the sourcing of plants, gardening materials, tools, uniforms, and related services. We recognise that risks of modern slavery can arise in areas such as seasonal labour, outsourced services, transport, and the manufacture and supply of horticultural products, particularly where supply chains extend internationally or involve lower-skilled and temporary workforces.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

We operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, servitude, human trafficking, and child labour. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers associated with Gardeners Harold Wood. We do not tolerate any practices that deprive individuals of their freedom, deny them fair wages, or subject them to unsafe or degrading working conditions. Where any breach or suspected breach is identified, we will act promptly, which may include terminating contracts, reporting concerns to relevant authorities, and supporting affected individuals where appropriate.

Policies and Governance

Our commitment to combatting modern slavery is reflected in our internal policies, including codes of conduct, recruitment procedures, and health and safety standards. These policies set expectations for lawful and ethical behaviour, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. Senior management is responsible for overseeing the effectiveness of these policies, ensuring that modern slavery risks are considered in business planning, procurement decisions, and staff management.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardeners Harold Wood expects all suppliers and contractors to uphold the same high standards that we set for ourselves. As part of our supplier onboarding process, we assess the risk profile of potential suppliers, taking into account the nature of the goods or services, geographic location, and known sector risks related to labour exploitation.

We require suppliers to confirm their compliance with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws and to demonstrate that they do not use forced, bonded, trafficked, or child labour. Where appropriate, we conduct supplier audits, which may include site visits, requests for documentation, and interviews with management and, where possible, workers. Any non-compliance identified through these audits must be remedied within a defined timeframe, failing which we reserve the right to suspend or end the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We provide guidance to relevant employees, particularly those involved in procurement, recruitment, and site management, to help them recognise indicators of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. This includes awareness of warning signs such as withholding of identity documents, restriction of movement, unexplained deductions from wages, or signs of intimidation and coercion.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Harold Wood encourages all employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to line management or senior management. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly, and handled as confidentially as possible. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from victimisation or adverse treatment as a result of speaking up.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

We recognise that tackling modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility and that risks may change over time as our business and supply chains evolve. Gardeners Harold Wood is committed to continuous improvement in this area. Each year, we will review this Modern Slavery Statement and the effectiveness of our actions, including supplier due diligence, audits, staff training, and reporting mechanisms.

The annual review will consider any reported incidents, audit findings, changes in relevant legislation, and emerging best practice. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training to strengthen our approach. This Statement is approved by the management of Gardeners Harold Wood and is made available to employees, suppliers, and the public to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and protecting human rights in everything we do.