Gardeners Hounslow Modern Slavery Statement
This Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Hounslow sets out our unwavering commitment to preventing all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour in our operations and supply chains. We publish this anti-slavery statement to be clear that exploitation will not be tolerated by our organisation. Our approach to the slavery statement is based on risk assessment, documented due diligence, staff training and continual improvement, aligned with applicable laws and best practice.
We operate landscaping, grounds maintenance and horticultural services across Hounslow and nearby boroughs and the scope of this modern slavery policy covers employees, agency workers, contractors and suppliers. We require everyone working on behalf of Gardeners Hounslow to adhere to a clear zero-tolerance position on forced labour, and we communicate expectations through contractual terms, supplier codes of conduct and induction materials. Regular checks on recruitment and employment practices form part of our procurement process.
Our zero-tolerance policy is explicit: any credible evidence of forced labour, bonded labour, debt bondage or trafficking will trigger immediate remedial action, including investigation, suspension and termination of contracts where necessary. We will support affected individuals, cooperate with relevant authorities, and take steps to remediate harm. The zero tolerance approach is embedded in procurement clauses and supplier performance criteria and reinforced through managerial oversight.
Due diligence, supplier audits and procurement
Gardeners Hounslow conducts proportionate, risk-based due diligence of suppliers and subcontractors. We perform initial screening to identify potential exposure and use contractual terms to require compliance with our standards. Pre-engagement questionnaires, right to work checks and verification of payroll procedures are among the steps taken before onboarding suppliers, helping us to prioritise audit resources effectively.
We undertake supplier audits that are a mix of document reviews, remote assessments and on-site visits where risk indicators justify further scrutiny. Audits examine employment records, wage payment practices, recruitment fees, and living conditions where workers are housed. We may engage independent third-party auditors for complex relationships or where impartial verification is required, and audit frequency is determined by risk level and previous performance.
Supplier requirements and corrective action
We maintain a supplier approval framework that integrates modern slavery checks. Our audit programme includes:
- Pre-engagement screening for high-risk jurisdictions and labour-sourcing practices;
- Periodic supplier audits and unannounced spot checks;
- Corrective action plans with deadlines and verification steps;
- Escalation routes for unresolved or serious breaches.
Gardeners Hounslow provides multiple reporting channels and encourages concerns about potential modern slavery to be raised promptly. We operate confidential internal reporting mechanisms, anonymous options where feasible, clear escalation routes to senior management, and a strict non-retaliation stance to protect whistleblowers. All reports are logged, triaged, investigated by trained personnel, and where appropriate referred to law enforcement or specialist support organisations for victims.
Our programme emphasises training, monitoring and continuous improvement. Regular staff briefings, contractor guidance and targeted workshops for procurement teams focus on identifying signs of exploitation such as withheld wages, excessive working hours, restricted freedom of movement and unsafe or overcrowded accommodation. We track training completion, incident response times and corrective action closures as key performance indicators.
Annual review: Gardeners Hounslow reviews this modern slavery statement and all associated policies at least once a year. The annual review evaluates the effectiveness of due diligence, the outcomes of supplier audits, trends from reporting channels, and lessons learned from incidents. Findings drive policy updates, changes to supplier engagement, and continual improvement of controls; results and revisions to this anti-slavery statement are recorded and reflected in future versions to sustain accountability.
