Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
Gardeners Harrow is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent manner. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to safeguard the wellbeing of everyone who contributes to our services.
Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and includes slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour, bonded labour, and human trafficking. Gardeners Harrow will not tolerate any form of modern slavery and expects the same commitment from everyone with whom we work.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This policy applies to all employees, agency workers, contractors, and suppliers. Any suspicion, allegation, or evidence of modern slavery connected to our business will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
All employment with Gardeners Harrow is entirely voluntary. We do not engage in practices that could be interpreted as forced or compulsory labour, including the retention of original identity documents, unfair recruitment fees, or any restriction on freedom of movement. We require that all workers are of legal working age and that wages, working hours, and conditions meet or exceed applicable legal standards.
Our Supply Chain Standards
Our supply chain includes providers of gardening materials, equipment, workwear, transport, and ancillary services. We aim to work only with suppliers who can demonstrate that they share our values and commitment to combating modern slavery.
We communicate our expectations to suppliers and require them to uphold high standards of human rights, labour practices, and health and safety. Where appropriate, we seek contractual commitments that suppliers will comply with all relevant laws on modern slavery and human trafficking and will cascade similar expectations through their own supply chains.
Supplier Audits and Due Diligence
Gardeners Harrow undertakes proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers, with a focus on areas that may present a higher risk of labour exploitation. This due diligence may include supplier questionnaires, review of policies and procedures, and verification of labour practices where relevant.
We reserve the right to conduct audits or request evidence to confirm compliance with our standards. Where concerns are identified, we will work with the supplier to address them through corrective action plans. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to remedy serious issues in a timely manner, we may suspend or terminate the relationship.
Reporting Concerns and Speak-Up Channels
We encourage everyone connected with Gardeners Harrow, including employees, workers, and suppliers, to raise any concern about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices without fear of retaliation. Concerns can be raised with a line manager, a senior member of the management team, or through any internal reporting process in place at the time.
All reports will be treated seriously and, where appropriate, investigated promptly and impartially. Confidentiality will be respected as far as possible, and we will take steps to protect anyone who raises a genuine concern from detrimental treatment. Where necessary, we will cooperate with law enforcement or other competent authorities.
Training and Awareness
We aim to build awareness of modern slavery risks among our workforce, particularly those involved in recruitment, supplier selection, and contract management. Training and guidance are designed to help staff recognise potential indicators of exploitation, understand how to respond, and know how to report any concerns.
We also encourage suppliers to provide their own staff with appropriate training on modern slavery and ethical labour practices so that good standards are maintained throughout our supply chains.
Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review
Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and related practices sits with the senior management of Gardeners Harrow. We monitor the effectiveness of our approach through ongoing review of supplier performance, internal feedback, and any reported concerns or incidents.
This statement is reviewed at least annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with legal requirements and good practice. As our business and supply chains evolve, we will continue to refine our policies, due diligence, and training to strengthen our response to modern slavery risks.
Gardeners Harrow is committed to continuous improvement in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking and to maintaining a culture in which respect for human rights is central to everything we do.
