Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the actions taken by Gardeners Northumberland Heath to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to respect human rights and to act with integrity and transparency in all our business relationships.

Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It can take many forms, including forced labour, child labour, servitude, human trafficking, and debt bondage. Gardeners Northumberland Heath is committed to ensuring that modern slavery has no place within our business or among those who supply goods and services to us.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Northumberland Heath operates a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all aspects of our business, including our direct operations, recruitment practices, and supply chains. We will not knowingly work with any organisation or individual involved in, or complicit with, any form of modern slavery.

All employees, contractors, and suppliers are expected to act honestly and ethically and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to modern slavery. Where we identify behaviour or conditions that are inconsistent with our values, we will take immediate and appropriate action, which may include terminating relationships or reporting concerns to the relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chains and Supplier Standards

Our supply chains include the procurement of plants, materials, tools, equipment, uniforms, and a range of professional and maintenance services. We recognise that the risk of modern slavery can be higher in some sectors and geographies, and we are committed to understanding and addressing these risks.

We expect all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. Supplier terms, where applicable, incorporate our expectations regarding labour standards, wages, working hours, freedom of movement, and the prohibition of forced, bonded, or child labour. Suppliers are required to ensure that these standards are reflected throughout their own supply chains.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardeners Northumberland Heath undertakes proportionate supplier due diligence and audits to identify, assess, and monitor the risk of modern slavery. This may include obtaining information about a supplier's employment practices, policies, training, and grievance mechanisms, as well as reviewing documentation relating to labour and working conditions.

Where risks are identified, we engage with suppliers to agree corrective actions and timescales for implementation. Continued non-compliance or unwillingness to improve may result in ending the business relationship. We reserve the right to revisit and repeat audits, particularly for higher-risk suppliers, to ensure that improvements are maintained over time.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We encourage a culture of openness where concerns about modern slavery can be raised without fear of retaliation. Employees, contractors, and suppliers are urged to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking connected to our business or supply chains.

Concerns can be raised through internal reporting channels or directly to management. All reports will be taken seriously, treated confidentially as far as possible, and investigated promptly. We are committed to protecting anyone who raises a concern in good faith from victimisation or detrimental treatment as a result of speaking up.

Training and Awareness

Gardeners Northumberland Heath recognises that awareness and understanding are essential to preventing modern slavery. We provide appropriate guidance to relevant employees so they can recognise indicators of modern slavery, understand how to escalate concerns, and appreciate the importance of ethical sourcing and labour practices.

We will continue to review our training and communication materials to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face as our business and supply chains evolve.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continually improving our approach to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. This includes reviewing our policies, due diligence processes, and supplier engagement activities on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective and aligned with legal and industry developments.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by the leadership of Gardeners Northumberland Heath. The review considers changes in our operations and supply chains, the results of any audits or investigations, and opportunities for improvement. Following each review, we will update our statement and related measures as necessary to strengthen our response to modern slavery.

This statement has been approved on behalf of Gardeners Northumberland Heath and constitutes our Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the current financial year.