Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Friern Barnet

Gardeners Friern Barnet is committed to conducting business with integrity, dignity, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance policy toward slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that gardeners, landscapers, suppliers, and service partners must be treated fairly and lawfully at every stage of work.

As a responsible provider of gardening services in Friern Barnet, we are fully committed to preventing modern slavery from occurring in any part of our organisation. We expect all employees, contractors, and suppliers to uphold the same standards. Our approach is grounded in ethical practice, due diligence, transparency, and ongoing vigilance.

This statement applies to all areas of our activities, including procurement, subcontracting, labour use, and the selection of garden maintenance suppliers. Gardeners Friern Barnet understands that modern slavery can take many forms, and we remain alert to indicators such as restricted movement, withheld documents, unfair wages, coercion, or unsafe working conditions.

Our Commitment and Controls

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy that prohibits any involvement in slavery or human trafficking. Any confirmed breach of this policy will result in decisive action, which may include termination of contracts, removal of suppliers, and escalation to the appropriate authorities where necessary. This applies equally to direct employees and external partners supporting Gardeners Friern Barnet.

To reduce risk, we apply proportionate controls across the supply chain. These include supplier onboarding checks, review of labour practices, and ongoing monitoring of high-risk categories. Gardeners Friern Barnet also expects suppliers to confirm that they do not use forced, trafficked, or underage labour and that they comply with all relevant employment and safety laws.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Supplier audits are a key part of our prevention strategy. We carry out reviews based on risk, geography, and service type, with priority given to suppliers involved in manual work, transport, or seasonal labour. Audits may include document checks, worker welfare assessments, and verification of wage, working time, and recruitment practices. Where concerns are identified, we require prompt corrective action and may suspend the relationship until issues are resolved.

Our due diligence process supports the wider garden services sector by helping us identify potential vulnerabilities before harm occurs. Friern Barnet gardeners working on our behalf are expected to understand these standards and comply with all labour requirements. We also seek assurance that subcontractors apply the same expectations throughout their own supply chains.

We recognise that awareness is essential in preventing exploitation. Managers and relevant staff receive training to help them recognise warning signs, record concerns accurately, and respond appropriately. This includes understanding how labour abuse can appear in both visible and hidden forms within gardening and maintenance operations.

Any person who suspects wrongdoing is encouraged to use our confidential reporting channels. Concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation, discrimination, or disadvantage. Reports may relate to working hours, recruitment practices, document retention, wage irregularities, coercion, or any conduct that suggests possible modern slavery.

Reports are handled seriously and investigated promptly by the appropriate responsible person within the organisation. We aim to protect individuals who come forward and to address issues in a fair, thorough, and lawful manner. Where necessary, we will work with suppliers to implement improvements or discontinue relationships that fail to meet our standards.

Gardeners Friern Barnet is also committed to annual review of this statement and of the controls that support it. Each year, we assess the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training, and reporting process. This review ensures our response remains current, practical, and aligned with legal and ethical expectations.

The annual review helps us strengthen our prevention measures and improve accountability across our operations. By maintaining clear standards, continuous oversight, and a strong culture of responsibility, Gardeners Friern Barnet reinforces its commitment to eliminating modern slavery from its business and supply chain.