Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Harold Park

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Harold Park to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We are committed to conducting our business ethically, transparently, and with respect for human rights in all the communities in which we operate.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Harold Park has a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery in any form. This commitment applies to all parts of our business, including our directly employed workforce, subcontractors, agency workers, and all tiers of our supply chain. We do not accept, condone, or ignore practices that involve coercion, deception, abuse of vulnerability, or denial of fundamental labour rights.

All employees and suppliers are expected to act with integrity and to comply with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws. Any breach of our zero-tolerance policy is treated as a serious matter that may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of contracts or working relationships.

Our Business and Supply Chain

Gardeners Harold Park provides gardening, grounds maintenance, and related services. Our supply chain includes providers of plants and materials, tools and equipment, workwear, transport, and other business support services. We recognise that some sectors and regions may present a higher risk of labour exploitation, and we seek to identify and manage these risks proactively.

We aim to work with suppliers and partners who share our values and demonstrate robust labour and ethical standards. We expect suppliers to adopt practices that prevent exploitation, provide safe working conditions, and respect the rights and dignity of all workers.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We are developing and implementing a risk-based approach to assessing our suppliers and contractors. This includes conducting due diligence checks before entering into new relationships and periodically reviewing existing suppliers. We may request information on recruitment practices, working conditions, subcontracting arrangements, and compliance with labour laws.

Where appropriate, we undertake audits of suppliers, either directly or through independent evaluators. These audits may include site visits, worker interviews, and the review of employment documentation and policies. If an audit identifies concerns, we will work with the supplier to agree corrective actions and timescales. If issues are not resolved satisfactorily, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate the relationship.

Training and Awareness

We are committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and key suppliers. Relevant staff receive training to help them recognise potential indicators of exploitation, such as restriction of movement, withholding of documents, unfair deductions from wages, or signs of intimidation and control.

Managers and supervisors are encouraged to promote open dialogue so that concerns about working conditions or labour practices can be raised and addressed promptly. Training materials are reviewed and updated as our understanding of risks evolves.

Reporting Concerns and Grievance Channels

Gardeners Harold Park encourages any employee, worker, supplier, or third party who has concerns about modern slavery or unethical labour practices to report them without delay. Concerns may relate to our own operations or to any part of our supply chain.

Reports can be made through internal reporting channels or in line with our grievance and whistleblowing procedures. We will treat all reports seriously, handle them sensitively, and investigate them appropriately. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against anyone who raises concerns in good faith.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review

We monitor the effectiveness of our policies and procedures through ongoing review of supplier performance, incident reports, and feedback from workers and stakeholders. Where weaknesses or gaps are identified, we take steps to strengthen our controls and improve our practices.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Harold Park to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice. Updates may be made more frequently if there are significant changes in our business structure, operations, or risk profile.

By publishing this statement, Gardeners Harold Park reaffirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and promoting fair, safe, and respectful working conditions for all individuals connected with our business and supply chains.