Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Highgate Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Highgate to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to ensure that the people who contribute to our services are treated with dignity and respect.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Highgate maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and exploitation. This applies to our own business activities as well as to all contractors, suppliers, and other business partners who support the delivery of our gardening and related services.

We expect everyone working with or for Gardeners Highgate to share our commitment to ethical conduct. Any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery in our business or supply chains will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in termination of contracts, notification to relevant authorities, and other appropriate corrective actions.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Highgate provides gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance services. Our supply chains include, but are not limited to, horticultural products, tools and equipment, uniforms, waste management, and professional services. We recognise that some of these areas can be exposed to higher risks of labour exploitation, especially where multiple tiers of suppliers are involved.

We work to identify and manage these risks by engaging with reputable suppliers, incorporating ethical requirements into our procurement processes, and seeking transparency about the origin of products and services that we purchase.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Our suppliers are required to operate in a way that is consistent with our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. We expect them to comply with all applicable labour, employment, and human rights legislation and to ensure that their own suppliers and subcontractors do the same.

Gardeners Highgate conducts proportionate checks and audits of key suppliers, focusing on those operating in higher-risk sectors or geographies. These audits may include reviewing policies and procedures, requesting evidence of workforce due diligence, and holding direct discussions about labour practices and working conditions.

Where concerns are identified, we will work collaboratively with suppliers to develop and monitor corrective action plans. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address identified issues in a timely and satisfactory manner, we may suspend or end the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Highgate encourages all workers, suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to report any concerns related to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Reports can be made confidentially through internal reporting routes or by speaking directly to a manager or senior representative of the business.

No individual will suffer detrimental treatment for raising a concern in good faith. We are committed to ensuring that reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled sensitively. Where there is credible information that modern slavery risks exist, we will take immediate steps to protect affected individuals and to address the underlying causes.

Training and Awareness

We are working to build awareness of modern slavery risks within Gardeners Highgate, particularly among staff involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management. Training and guidance are provided so that relevant employees can recognise indicators of exploitation, understand how to respond, and know how to escalate concerns appropriately.

By promoting awareness, we aim to foster a culture in which modern slavery is actively challenged and prevented, rather than being overlooked or ignored.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery rests with the senior management of Gardeners Highgate. They are accountable for ensuring that our policies are implemented effectively and that any identified issues are addressed.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually to assess its effectiveness and to reflect changes in our operations, supply chains, and regulatory environment. As part of this review, we consider audit findings, reported concerns, evolving best practice, and feedback from stakeholders. Where necessary, we update our procedures, strengthen supplier engagement, or enhance training to improve our response.

Gardeners Highgate remains committed to continuous improvement in the prevention of modern slavery and human trafficking. Through ongoing vigilance, collaboration, and accountability, we strive to ensure that our business and supply chains are safe, ethical, and respectful of the rights of all individuals.