Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners The Hale
Gardeners The Hale is committed to conducting all aspects of its operations with integrity, transparency, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to ensure that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitative working practices have no place in our organisation or within the supply chains that support our services. We recognise that the risk of exploitation can exist in any sector, and we apply a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, coercion, or deception.
As a responsible provider, Gardeners The Hale expects the same ethical standards from employees, contractors, and business partners. We aim to identify, prevent, and respond to risks through clear policies, careful oversight, and ongoing vigilance. Our approach includes due diligence before onboarding suppliers, periodic checks thereafter, and practical measures designed to protect workers and uphold fair treatment at every stage of service delivery.
We understand that modern slavery can take many forms, including hidden labour exploitation, debt bondage, withholding of documents, or threats linked to employment. For that reason, our stance is not only to comply with legal requirements but also to maintain a culture in which concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly. In this statement, references to slavery and human trafficking also include all related abusive practices that undermine dignity and freedom.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Governance
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to all staff, suppliers, and third parties acting on behalf of Gardeners The Hale. Any breach of this policy may result in immediate corrective action, suspension of work, or termination of the relationship where appropriate. Senior management is responsible for overseeing compliance and ensuring that anti-slavery principles remain embedded in decision-making, procurement, and operational controls.
To support this commitment, we provide internal awareness guidance so that team members can recognise warning signs such as restricted movement, fear of speaking openly, inconsistent pay arrangements, or evidence of unsafe accommodation. We encourage a proactive approach, where concerns are treated as safeguarding matters rather than isolated incidents. This helps strengthen our response to potential modern slavery risks and reinforces accountability across the business.
We also assess our own employment practices to ensure they are ethical, fair, and lawful. This includes reviewing working hours, wage practices, identification checks, and onboarding processes. By keeping our internal standards clear and consistently applied, Gardeners The Hale reduces the risk that exploitation could occur directly or indirectly through our operations.
Supplier Audits and Supply Chain Control
Supplier due diligence is a key part of our Gardeners The Hale modern slavery statement. Before entering into a commercial relationship, we seek assurance that suppliers share our ethical standards and can demonstrate appropriate labour practices. Where appropriate, we request policy confirmation, workforce information, and evidence of compliance with relevant laws and expectations.
We carry out supplier audits proportionate to risk, which may include document reviews, questionnaires, site visits, and follow-up checks. High-risk suppliers are subject to enhanced scrutiny, especially where there is a history of non-compliance, complex subcontracting, or labour-intensive activity. These audits are intended to identify warning signs early and ensure that corrective action can be taken quickly if needed.
If a supplier fails to meet our standards, we will seek improvement within a defined timeframe. Where issues are serious or unresolved, we reserve the right to disengage. This measured but firm approach supports the wider goal of responsible sourcing and helps ensure that Gardeners The Hale anti-slavery commitments are reflected throughout the supply chain.
Reporting Channels and Protection for Concerns
We are committed to creating a workplace where concerns can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. Any employee, contractor, or supplier who suspects exploitation may use our internal reporting channels to share information confidentially. Reports may relate to labour exploitation, suspicious recruitment practices, withheld pay, intimidation, or any other matter that suggests abuse.
All concerns are reviewed promptly and discreetly, with a focus on protecting vulnerable individuals and securing evidence where needed. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a concern in good faith. In line with our Gardeners The Hale slavery prevention approach, all reports are handled with respect, confidentiality, and appropriate escalation to management or external agencies where necessary.
Key reporting principles include:
- Confidential handling of concerns
- Protection from retaliation or disadvantage
- Prompt assessment and investigation
- Escalation when risk indicators are identified
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with evolving legal expectations and operational risks. The review considers audit findings, supplier performance, reported concerns, training needs, and any changes in the nature of our services or supply chain. Where improvements are identified, we update policies and controls accordingly.
Annual review also allows us to measure progress against our ethical objectives and strengthen awareness across the business. By reflecting on lessons learned, Gardeners The Hale continues to improve its ability to detect, prevent, and respond to modern slavery and human trafficking. Our goal is not only compliance, but continuous improvement and meaningful protection for all workers connected to our operations.
Through this statement, Gardeners The Hale reaffirms its commitment to responsible practice, strong oversight, and respect for human dignity. We will continue to maintain robust controls, support transparent supply relationships, and uphold a clear zero-tolerance policy against exploitation in every area of our work.