Gardening Hackney — Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Hackney publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our clear commitment to preventing modern slavery and related abuses in our operations and supply chain. This anti-slavery declaration explains our approach to identifying risks, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy, and ensuring continuous improvement across landscaping, grounds maintenance and related services. We recognise that preventing modern slavery and human trafficking is a core part of our ethical and legal responsibilities.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

We operate a strict zero-tolerance stance on forced labour, child labour, and any activity that may constitute exploitation. All staff and contractors are required to adhere to our Modern Slavery policy, which mandates immediate action if any instances are suspected or detected. Managers receive training so that allegations are handled promptly, confidentially and robustly. Our employment practices emphasise fair pay, lawful working hours and the right to leave employment, and these principles are embedded into contracts and procurement documents.

Supplier management and due diligence form core parts of our anti-slavery work. We conduct supplier audits and risk assessments across categories including plant suppliers, materials, and subcontracted landscaping teams. This includes initial screening, contractual clauses addressing modern slavery and periodic reviews. Our supply chain checks are proportionate to risk and focus on higher-risk suppliers and regions. We require suppliers to confirm compliance with our standards during onboarding and through regular attestations.

We provide multiple reporting channels so concerns can be raised safely. Staff are encouraged to report via internal whistleblowing routes and supervisors; contractors can use anonymous procedures where needed. All reports are treated seriously and investigated by a designated compliance lead. Reports are assessed for risk and escalated when necessary to ensure swift remediation. We emphasise protection for anyone who raises concerns in good faith and prohibit retaliation.

To strengthen detection and response we use a combination of inspections, worker interviews, and documentation reviews. Our audits look for indicators such as withheld wages, restrictions on movement, or confiscated identity documents. When issues are identified we take corrective action, which may include supplier improvement plans, contract termination, or referral to appropriate authorities. We also seek to support affected individuals through safe remediation pathways.

Supplier Audits and Standards

Our supplier audit programme includes site visits, documentation checks and sample worker consultations. Key elements include:

• Risk-based audits prioritising high-risk suppliers;
• Contractual clauses requiring compliance with our anti-slavery commitments;
• Periodic reassessment and follow-up on non-compliances.

We implement training for staff involved in procurement, supervision and HR to raise awareness of modern slavery indicators and proper escalation routes. Our team receives guidance on how to carry out fair recruitment checks and how to verify right-to-work and identity documentation without discrimination. Collaboration with peer organisations and industry networks helps us to stay current on best practice for preventing modern slavery in landscaping services.

Annual review: We commit to reviewing this anti-slavery statement and our procedures at least once every 12 months. The annual review examines audit outcomes, reported incidents, supplier performance and emerging risks. Findings lead to updated policies, revised training and changes to supplier management processes. The review is overseen by senior management and documented to ensure transparency and accountability within Gardening Hackney.

In conclusion, Gardening Hackney maintains a firm commitment to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation in all its forms. We will continue to enforce our zero-tolerance policy, perform supplier audits, provide safe reporting channels and carry out an annual review to measure effectiveness and improve our response. This anti-slavery statement reflects our ongoing pledge to ethical operations and the protection of workers throughout our business and supply chain.