Gardening Herne Hill Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out Gardening Herne Hill's commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, bonded labour, or exploitation. As part of our Herne Hill anti-slavery approach, this statement explains how we identify and manage risk, how we monitor suppliers, and the channels available for reporting concerns.

We recognise that a robust modern slavery statement must be clear and actionable. Our policy applies to all staff, contractors and partners engaged by Gardening Herne Hill, and we expect the same standards from suppliers and sub-contractors. Every worker’s rights are fundamental to our business, and we will not tolerate practices that undermine those rights.

The scope of this Gardening Herne Hill modern slavery statement includes procurement, grounds maintenance contractors, subcontracted labour, and materials sourcing. We assess risk by sector, geography and supplier type and apply targeted controls where vulnerabilities are greatest. Our procurement team is trained to spot indicators of exploitation and to escalate concerns when necessary.

Zero-tolerance policy and organisational commitment

Our zero-tolerance policy means that any proven case of modern slavery or human trafficking will result in immediate remedial action, which may include termination of contracts and referral to the relevant authorities. We require compliance with labour laws, fair pay, voluntary employment and safe working conditions. Management at all levels are accountable for implementing these standards and for promoting a culture of openness and protection.

Gardening Herne Hill implements supplier audits and assessments to verify compliance. Auditing occurs through a mix of self-assessment questionnaires, document reviews and on-site visits where feasible. We prioritise high-risk suppliers for more frequent and in-depth checks, and we record audit outcomes and corrective action plans to ensure continual improvement.

To support prevention and remediation we publish clear supplier expectations and contractual clauses that require compliance with our anti-slavery requirements. We also offer support to suppliers to help them align with our standards rather than simply cancelling contracts when non-compliance is identified.

Reporting channels, remediation and annual review

We maintain multiple accessible reporting channels so that employees, contractors and third parties can raise concerns confidentially. Reports can be made internally through line managers or HR, and through anonymous reporting mechanisms where appropriate. We investigate all reports promptly, fairly and with respect for confidentiality and the rights of those involved.

Remedies for confirmed issues include ensuring victims are protected and supported, recovering unpaid wages, changing supplier arrangements, and implementing improvement plans. Our approach emphasises victim-centred remediation and cooperative engagement with local authorities and support services when necessary.

Accountability is reinforced by a structured approach to monitoring and continuous improvement. Key elements include:

• Supplier audits: periodic and risk-based checks to validate compliance;
• Training: staff and procurement teams receive regular training on the signs of exploitation;
• Policy integration: contractual terms and procurement processes embed anti-slavery requirements;
• Reporting channels: secure, confidential routes for concerns and whistleblowing;
• Remediation: defined steps to support victims and correct supplier conduct.

The Gardening Herne Hill modern slavery and human trafficking policy is reviewed annually by senior management and the board. This annual review evaluates the effectiveness of risk assessments, audit outcomes, training reach and the adequacy of reporting and remediation processes. Findings from the review lead to revised controls, enhanced supplier engagement and updated training materials to close any gaps identified.

We use performance indicators to measure progress, such as the number of high-risk suppliers audited, training completion rates and the time taken to resolve reports. Continuous improvement is central: where trends indicate systemic issues, we adjust our sourcing, contracts and monitoring to reduce future risk.

By publishing this statement Gardening Herne Hill confirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery in all forms. We will continue to strengthen our policies, deepen supplier relationships to ensure ethical sourcing, and maintain vigilance through supplier audits, clear reporting channels and an ongoing cycle of review. This modern-slavery statement reflects our determination to act responsibly and ethically for the benefit of our community and workforce.