Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hackney Marshes
Gardeners Hackney Marshes is committed to conducting all activities with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing slavery, servitude, forced labour, and human trafficking within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery can occur in many forms, including hidden exploitation, debt bondage, and coercive working conditions, and we remain alert to those risks across all parts of our work.
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every employee, contractor, supplier, and business partner associated with Gardeners Hackney Marshes. We will not knowingly engage with any organisation or individual involved in exploitation or abusive labour practices. This commitment is embedded in our recruitment, procurement, and management processes, and is reinforced through internal training and clear expectations of lawful, ethical conduct. Any breach of this policy is treated as a serious matter and may result in termination of contracts or other corrective action.
To reduce risk in our supply chain, Gardeners Hackney Marshes carries out proportionate supplier due diligence and supplier audits. We assess suppliers based on risk factors such as geography, sector, labour intensity, and previous compliance history. Where appropriate, we request evidence of policies, worker protections, wage practices, and recruitment standards. If concerns arise, we work with suppliers to implement improvements, and we reserve the right to suspend or end relationships where meaningful progress is not made.
We expect our partners to share our commitment to ethical labour standards. As part of our contractor and procurement requirements, suppliers must confirm that they do not use child labour, forced labour, or unlawful deductions from pay. Gardeners Hackney Marshes also encourages transparent record-keeping and responsible subcontracting so that risks can be identified early. This approach helps us maintain a resilient and trusted supply chain while supporting fair treatment for workers.
Reporting concerns is central to the effectiveness of this statement. Any worker, manager, or supplier representative who suspects exploitation may raise the issue through our internal reporting channels, including line management, designated safeguarding procedures, and confidential incident reporting processes. Reports are handled with sensitivity and, where possible, confidentiality. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith, and we take all allegations seriously, investigating them promptly and thoroughly.
Our responsibilities extend beyond policy alone. Gardeners Hackney Marshes provides awareness-raising to help staff recognise signs of exploitation, including restricted movement, document withholding, excessive working hours, or workers appearing fearful and controlled. Where risks are identified, we take proportionate action, which may include increased monitoring, corrective plans, or referral to the relevant authorities. In this way, our modern slavery approach supports both prevention and response.
This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and operational risks. The annual review considers supplier performance, audit findings, reported concerns, corrective actions, and any changes in our business activities or supply chain structure. Lessons learned from the previous year are used to strengthen controls and improve accountability. Continuous improvement is essential to our long-term commitment to ethical practice.
Gardeners Hackney Marshes also recognises the importance of leadership in maintaining this standard. Senior oversight helps ensure that anti-slavery expectations are understood and applied consistently across the organisation. Management reviews may lead to updated procurement criteria, enhanced due diligence, or additional staff training where risks require it. This helps us keep our response practical, proportionate, and effective.
In summary, Gardeners Hackney Marshes is dedicated to preventing exploitation in every part of its work. Through a zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and an annual review process, we aim to uphold dignity, legality, and accountability. We will continue to strengthen our safeguards and maintain a vigilant stance against modern slavery risk in all its forms.