Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Noak Hill
Gardeners Noak Hill is committed to conducting all aspects of our work with integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chain. We recognise that gardening and outdoor maintenance services can involve multiple labour providers, seasonal work, and procurement of materials, which is why our approach is built on vigilance, accountability, and clear standards.
Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of the business. No form of slavery, servitude, bonded labour, child labour, or coercion is accepted in any activity carried out by Gardeners Noak Hill or by those acting on our behalf. We expect managers, staff, contractors, and suppliers to uphold the same principles. Any breach of this policy may result in termination of a relationship, removal from approved supplier lists, or further action where necessary.
To support these commitments, we conduct regular supplier audits and risk assessments. 
These checks are designed to identify warning signs such as unexplained wage deductions, restricted movement, poor accommodation standards, unsafe working conditions, or a lack of documented employment rights. We review labour practices, onboarding processes, and record keeping to ensure that the organisations we work with demonstrate responsible employment standards. Where concerns are found, we require corrective actions and follow-up reviews.
Gardeners Noak Hill also uses contractual safeguards to make our expectations clear. Suppliers are required to confirm that they comply with all relevant labour laws and that they will not use forced, trafficked, or exploited workers. We prefer to work with partners who can show evidence of fair recruitment practices, transparent payroll systems, and appropriate verification of worker identity and age. Our procurement decisions consider not only quality and reliability, but also ethical conduct and respect for people.
Training plays an important role in prevention. Staff who are involved in recruitment, purchasing, supervision, or contract management receive guidance on recognising potential signs of exploitation. This includes unusual control over workers, refusal to allow private communication, retention of passports, and indications that a person may not be free to leave employment. By increasing awareness across the organisation, we strengthen our ability to act early and responsibly.
Reporting channels are available so that concerns can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. Anyone connected with our work, including employees, contractors, and supply partners, can report suspected modern slavery through internal management routes or formal reporting procedures. All reports are handled seriously and discreetly, with appropriate escalation where required. We encourage prompt reporting because early disclosure can help protect vulnerable people and prevent further harm.
When a concern is raised, we investigate proportionately and promptly. Evidence is reviewed carefully, and actions may include supplier reassessment, suspension of work, removal from a contract, or referral to the relevant authorities where the situation requires it. We aim to act decisively while respecting due process and protecting those who come forward with genuine concerns. This approach reinforces our commitment to ethical responsibility across the business.
Our statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legal and ethical expectations. The annual review considers audit findings, supplier performance, training coverage, reported concerns, and any changes in legislation or best practice. Where improvements are identified, we update our controls and strengthen our processes so that prevention remains active rather than static.
In summary, Gardeners Noak Hill is dedicated to preventing modern slavery through a zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, clear reporting channels, and annual review. We believe that responsible gardening services depend on dignity, transparency, and trust. By maintaining high standards in our operations and supply chain, we continue to support lawful, fair, and ethical working practices in everything we do.