Gardeners Muswell Hill Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Muswell Hill makes a clear and public commitment to preventing modern slavery in all forms across our operations and supply chains. Our zero-tolerance policy means we will not tolerate forced labour, human trafficking, bonded labour or any practices inconsistent with basic human rights. This statement sets out how the Gardeners of Muswell Hill team identifies, prevents and addresses modern slavery risks and how the Muswell Hill gardeners organisation enforces expectations with suppliers and partners. We are committed to continuous improvement and to acting quickly where concerns are raised.

We define modern slavery in line with contemporary legal and ethical standards and apply that definition across all activities carried out by Gardeners Muswell Hill. Our obligations extend to hired staff, contractors, seasonal workers and third-party suppliers. The statement explains our governance framework, the roles of senior management and the practical steps taken to reduce risk. Prevention and transparency are core to our approach, and we will publish and act on the outcomes of our assessments annually.

Our zero-tolerance policy is operationalised through clear expectations, contractual clauses and compliance checks. Key commitments include:

• Embedding anti-slavery clauses in supplier contracts and procurement documentation.
• Conducting risk-based due diligence and supplier audits to detect and deter exploitative practices.
• Ensuring fair pay, lawful working hours and safe working conditions across the supply chain.

We use a risk-based approach to prioritise resources where the potential for exploitation is greatest, including seasonal labour and subcontracted maintenance services commonly used by the Gardeners Muswell Hill team.

Supplier audits are a central element of our prevention strategy. Audits are carried out on a cyclical and risk-prioritised basis, combining desktop reviews with on-site inspections where necessary. When assessing Muswell Hill gardeners suppliers we look for evidence of lawful recruitment, freedom of movement, accurate payroll records and safe accommodation where provided. Audit findings inform corrective action plans, and sustained non-compliance triggers escalation that can include contract termination.

Supplier Due Diligence and Monitoring

We require suppliers to complete pre-qualification assessments and to provide documentation supporting labour practices. Our procurement team evaluates modern slavery risk factors such as labour intensity, subcontracting, agency use and geographic risk. Findings are recorded and suppliers are monitored through periodic reviews. We provide clear remediation pathways and expect suppliers to implement corrective actions in a timely manner; failure to make meaningful improvements results in contractual remedies.

To support transparency we maintain records of audit outcomes, supplier certifications and corrective actions. Where issues are identified, Gardeners Muswell Hill will work collaboratively to remediate harm and to prevent recurrence, prioritising the welfare of affected workers and compliance with legal obligations. We also reserve the right to refer matters to appropriate authorities if forced labour or trafficking is suspected.

Reporting channels are available to employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery. Reports can be made anonymously and will be handled confidentially. We have implemented an internal escalation pathway with protections against retaliation. Our reporting framework includes training managers to recognise signs of exploitation, and to act promptly. Non-retaliation for good-faith reporting is strictly enforced and forms part of our employee policies.

Training, Communication and Remediation

All staff in procurement, HR and operations receive training on modern slavery risks relevant to their roles. We communicate our expectations to suppliers and partners and provide resources to help them meet minimum standards. When instances of modern slavery are uncovered, priority is given to remedying harm to victims, cooperating with authorities and applying appropriate contractual sanctions. The Gardeners Muswell Hill team documents lessons learned and adapts practices to reduce future risk.

Annual review and continuous improvement are integral to this statement. We review our policy, supplier audit programme, reporting mechanisms and training at least once a year, led by senior management and reported to our governance forum. These reviews evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken, identify emerging risks and set priorities for the coming year. This statement will be updated to reflect progress and evolving best practice. In closing, Gardeners Muswell Hill reaffirms its firm commitment to eradicating modern slavery, promoting ethical labour standards across our operations and supplier networks, and ensuring that our work in Muswell Hill upholds the dignity and rights of every worker.