Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hackney Marshes

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Hackney Marshes to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and we are committed to identifying, preventing, and addressing any risk of such practices linked to our activities.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Hackney Marshes maintains a clear and strict zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, and exploitative working conditions. This applies to every aspect of our business, including the recruitment and treatment of our workers, and to all parties who supply goods or services to us.

We expect everyone who works with or for Gardeners Hackney Marshes to uphold the same standards. Any indication that a supplier, contractor, or business partner is involved in, complicit in, or turning a blind eye to modern slavery will lead to immediate investigation and may result in termination of our relationship.

Our Operations and Supply Chains

Our core activities relate to gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance at Hackney Marshes and surrounding areas. While much of our work is delivered directly by our own teams, we also rely on a network of suppliers and subcontractors for materials, equipment, and specialist services.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can arise at any tier of the supply chain, including in the production of horticultural materials, uniforms, tools, and machinery. We are committed to understanding these risks and taking proportionate measures to mitigate them.

Supplier Standards and Audits

All suppliers and contractors engaged by Gardeners Hackney Marshes are required to comply with our ethical standards, including our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery. We communicate our expectations during onboarding and through our contractual terms, which require compliance with all applicable labour and human rights laws.

We conduct risk-based assessments of our suppliers, focusing on factors such as sector, geography, and type of work. Where higher risks are identified, we may carry out enhanced due diligence, which can include on-site visits, self-assessment questionnaires, and the review of labour practices and documentation.

We reserve the right to conduct audits of suppliers to verify compliance with our standards. Where issues are identified, we will seek appropriate corrective actions within clear timeframes. Failure to address serious concerns may lead to suspension or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Hackney Marshes is committed to creating an environment where concerns about modern slavery or unethical conduct can be raised safely and addressed promptly. Employees, workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to report any suspicion of modern slavery in our operations or supply chains without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be raised internally to line managers or senior management, or through established whistleblowing routes within our organisation. Reports will be treated seriously, investigated sensitively, and handled as confidentially as possible. We will take appropriate action whenever modern slavery risks or incidents are identified, including involving relevant authorities where necessary.

Training and Awareness

We provide guidance and training, where relevant, to our managers and staff to help them identify signs of modern slavery and understand how to respond to concerns. This includes awareness of high-risk indicators, such as restrictions on freedom of movement, withholding of identity documents, or signs of coercion and control.

By improving awareness across our organisation, we aim to ensure that everyone plays a part in preventing modern slavery and promoting respect for human rights.

Monitoring, Governance, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing our approach to modern slavery sits with our senior management team. They are accountable for ensuring that policies are implemented, risks are regularly reviewed, and appropriate controls are in place across our operations and supply chains.

This Modern Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least once every twelve months to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practice. As part of the annual review, we will consider feedback from staff and stakeholders, the outcomes of any supplier audits, and any reported concerns or incidents.

Where improvements are identified, we will update our policies, procedures, and training materials accordingly. Gardeners Hackney Marshes is committed to continual improvement in our efforts to prevent modern slavery and to promoting safe, fair, and dignified work for everyone involved in our business and supply chains.