Modern Slavery Statement
Gardeners Notting Hill Modern Slavery Commitment
Gardeners Notting Hill is committed to conducting business in a responsible and ethical manner. We recognise our duty to respect human rights and to take all reasonable steps to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not occur within our operations or our supply chains. This statement outlines the steps we take to prevent, identify, and address any risk of modern slavery related to our gardening and landscaping services.
Our Zero-Tolerance Approach
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, and child labour. This applies to every aspect of our business, including direct employment, subcontracted work and the sourcing of materials, tools, and equipment. We do not knowingly work with any individual or organisation that engages in or condones such practices, and we will immediately review and, where necessary, terminate relationships where credible concerns arise.
All managers and those involved in purchasing or contractor management are required to act decisively if they suspect any breach of this policy. No commercial objective, cost saving or deadline will ever justify compromising our stance on modern slavery.
Our Workforce and Employment Practices
Gardeners Notting Hill aims to provide a fair, inclusive, and safe working environment. Our recruitment procedures are designed to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work and are engaged under fair terms. We do not charge recruitment fees, and we do not retain original identity documents of workers. Wages are paid directly to employees, in line with legal requirements, and working hours, holiday entitlement and other conditions are clearly communicated.
We are committed to treating all workers with dignity and respect. Harassment, intimidation or exploitation of any kind is not tolerated, and any concerns raised by workers are taken seriously and investigated promptly.
Suppliers, Contractors and Audits
Our supply chain includes providers of plants, soil, garden materials, tools, machinery, uniforms and other related services. We expect all suppliers and contractors to uphold standards that are consistent with our own. As part of our due diligence, we assess new suppliers for ethical risks, including the potential for modern slavery, before entering into or renewing agreements.
We are progressively implementing supplier checks and audits that may include questionnaires, on-site visits where appropriate, and a review of employment practices, health and safety standards and worker welfare provisions. Where higher risks are identified, we may request additional information or assurances, require corrective actions or, if necessary, cease working with the supplier. Compliance with applicable labour and human rights legislation is a fundamental condition of doing business with Gardeners Notting Hill.
Reporting Concerns and Raising Alerts
We encourage employees, contractors, suppliers and any other stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our operations or supply chain. Concerns may include indicators such as workers appearing fearful, controlled by others, underpaid, unable to leave their work, or lacking access to their personal documents.
Reports can be made to line managers or senior management within Gardeners Notting Hill. Individuals raising concerns are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible so that we can investigate effectively. We will not tolerate victimisation of anyone who reports a concern in good faith, and all reports will be handled sensitively and, where possible, confidentially.
Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement
We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among those in key roles, particularly team leaders, supervisors and staff involved in procurement and contractor management. This may include guidance on identifying warning signs, understanding supply chain risks and knowing how to respond to concerns. We keep our procedures under review so that we can adapt to emerging risks and good practice.
Annual Review and Statement Approval
This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed at least once every year to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with our values and legal obligations. As part of the review, we consider any incidents reported, findings from supplier audits, changes in legislation and feedback from workers and partners. Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we will update our policies, procedures or training accordingly.
This statement has been approved by the management of Gardeners Notting Hill, who are responsible for its implementation and for ensuring that the commitments set out here are translated into effective action across our business and supply chains.
