Gardeners Friern Barnet Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps taken by Gardeners Friern Barnet to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. As a provider of gardening and grounds maintenance services, we recognise our responsibility to uphold high ethical standards and to protect the rights and wellbeing of all individuals who contribute to our business, directly or indirectly.

Our Commitment and Zero-Tolerance Policy

Gardeners Friern Barnet maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation. We are committed to conducting our business in a manner that respects human rights, complies with applicable legislation, and promotes fair and safe working conditions.

We expect every person and organisation working with or for Gardeners Friern Barnet, including employees, subcontractors, labour agencies, and suppliers, to share this commitment. Any breach or suspected breach of this policy will be taken extremely seriously and may result in termination of contracts or working relationships, and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Gardeners Friern Barnet operates locally, providing gardening, landscaping, and maintenance services to residential and commercial clients. Our supply chains include providers of plants, soil and aggregates, gardening equipment, uniforms, and other operational products and services.

We understand that the risk of modern slavery can exist at any level of a supply chain, particularly where goods or materials are sourced from higher-risk sectors or regions. We therefore aim to work with reputable suppliers who can demonstrate robust labour standards and transparent sourcing practices.

Supplier Standards and Audits

We are committed to engaging with suppliers who operate ethically and lawfully. As part of our supplier management processes, we seek to ensure that our suppliers:

Comply with all relevant employment, labour, and health and safety laws in the countries where they operate. Prohibit forced, bonded, or involuntary labour and do not tolerate human trafficking in any form. Ensure that workers are of legal working age and are employed under fair terms, including fair pay and reasonable working hours. Provide safe and hygienic working conditions and do not subject workers to harassment, abuse, or intimidation.

We reserve the right to conduct supplier assessments and audits, particularly where we identify heightened risks. These may include requesting evidence of policies, certifications, or procedures relating to labour standards, and, where proportionate, on-site visits or third-party audits. Failure by a supplier to meet our standards or to cooperate with reasonable requests for information may lead to review or termination of the business relationship.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing Channels

Gardeners Friern Barnet encourages a culture of openness and accountability. We want all workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to feel confident that they can raise concerns about modern slavery or unethical practices without fear of retaliation.

Concerns can be reported directly to management or via any established internal reporting routes made available to staff. Reports may include suspicions of forced labour, exploitation, unsafe or degrading working conditions, or any behaviour inconsistent with this Statement. All concerns raised will be treated seriously, handled sensitively, and investigated promptly where appropriate. We are committed to protecting individuals who raise genuine concerns from victimisation or detrimental treatment.

Training and Awareness

Where relevant, we provide guidance to managers and staff to help them understand the signs of modern slavery and the processes for reporting concerns. By raising awareness within our teams, we aim to reduce the risk of exploitation in our operations and to ensure that any issues are identified at an early stage.

Monitoring, Accountability, and Annual Review

Responsibility for overseeing this Modern Slavery Statement and associated practices rests with the management of Gardeners Friern Barnet. We monitor our operations and supply chains to identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement, including the way we select, contract, and review suppliers.

This Statement will be reviewed annually, or more frequently if necessary in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or our business activities. During each review we will consider feedback from stakeholders, evaluate the effectiveness of our current measures, and update our procedures where required.

By maintaining clear standards, engaging responsibly with our suppliers, providing channels for reporting concerns, and reviewing our approach on a regular basis, Gardeners Friern Barnet seeks to prevent modern slavery and to promote dignity, fairness, and respect throughout our business and supply chains.