Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Mill Hill

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Mill Hill to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our business operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to uphold human rights and to act with integrity in all our relationships with workers, customers, and suppliers.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Mill Hill has a clear and unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, servitude, and human trafficking. We will not knowingly engage with any individual, contractor, or organisation that benefits from or is complicit in such practices.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to adhere to our values of fairness, respect, and lawful employment. Any indication that modern slavery may be occurring within our operations or supply chain will be treated as a serious breach of our standards and may result in immediate termination of contracts or working relationships, subject to applicable laws and contractual obligations.

Our Supply Chain and Due Diligence

Our services rely on a range of suppliers, including providers of plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and ancillary services. We are committed to working only with suppliers who share our stance on modern slavery and who can demonstrate responsible labour practices.

We conduct due diligence on new suppliers before entering into business relationships. This may include requesting information about their labour policies, worker welfare measures, and compliance with applicable employment and human rights legislation. We expect suppliers to have mechanisms that prevent exploitation and to maintain transparent records of their employment practices.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

Gardeners Mill Hill carries out proportionate supplier audits to assess the risk of modern slavery and to verify adherence to our standards. These audits may involve reviewing policies and documentation, holding discussions with supplier representatives, and, where appropriate, conducting site visits.

Where risks are identified, we will work with suppliers to address and remediate issues within a reasonable timeframe. If a supplier fails to make meaningful improvements or is found to be directly involved in modern slavery or related abuses, we will take decisive action, which may include suspending or ending the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

We encourage anyone connected to our business, including employees, agency workers, subcontractors, and suppliers, to report concerns about modern slavery, unethical behaviour, or unsafe working conditions. Concerns can be raised in confidence with line managers or senior management within Gardeners Mill Hill.

Reports of suspected modern slavery will be handled sensitively and investigated promptly. We will not tolerate any form of retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Where appropriate and necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and support any formal investigations.

Training and Awareness

We work to increase awareness of modern slavery risks among our staff, particularly those involved in procurement, supplier management, and site supervision. Training and guidance help our teams recognise potential indicators of exploitation, understand how to respond to concerns, and appreciate the importance of ethical supply chain management.

By building understanding across the business, we aim to create a culture where modern slavery risks are actively identified, challenged, and addressed.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the management of Gardeners Mill Hill to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legislation and best practice. As part of the review, we consider feedback from staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders, as well as any incidents or concerns raised during the year.

We are committed to ongoing improvement in our approach to identifying and mitigating modern slavery risks. Over time, we intend to strengthen our due diligence processes, enhance supplier engagement, and refine our training and reporting mechanisms.

This statement reflects the current position of Gardeners Mill Hill and demonstrates our continued commitment to preventing modern slavery and promoting respect for human rights throughout our operations and supply chains.