Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Maze Hill

This Modern Slavery Statement is made by Gardeners Maze Hill in respect of the financial year ending 31 March and sets out the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Maze Hill provides gardening, landscaping, and related services, and we recognise our responsibility to conduct business ethically and with integrity wherever we operate.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

Gardeners Maze Hill has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking, including forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, servitude, and exploitation. We are committed to acting ethically and transparently and to putting effective systems and controls in place to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place within our business or supply chains.

Every person working for or with Gardeners Maze Hill is expected to uphold this commitment. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that disregards human rights or fails to comply with relevant labour laws and standards. Where concerns are identified, we will investigate promptly and will take appropriate action, which may include terminating contracts or reporting issues to the relevant authorities.

Our Business and Supply Chains

Our core activities include garden design, regular garden maintenance, landscaping construction, and the supply and installation of plants, soil, aggregates, timber, and related materials. Our supply chains include nurseries, material suppliers, equipment providers, and labour subcontractors.

We recognise that some parts of the horticultural and construction sectors may face a higher risk of labour exploitation, particularly where seasonal, low-paid, or migrant labour is used. This awareness informs our approach to due diligence, supplier engagement, and ongoing monitoring.

Supplier Standards and Audits

Gardeners Maze Hill expects all suppliers and subcontractors to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. We are developing and implementing supplier standards that require adherence to ethical employment practices, fair pay, and safe working conditions. Suppliers are required to confirm compliance with applicable labour laws and to ensure that they, in turn, undertake due diligence on their own supply chains.

We conduct proportionate risk-based audits of key suppliers. These audits may include reviewing employment documentation, checking right-to-work procedures, and discussing working conditions with management. Where appropriate, we may visit sites to observe conditions and speak with workers. If a supplier is found to be in breach of our standards or of legal requirements, we will work with them to implement corrective actions within a set timeframe or, if needed, end the relationship.

Policies, Training, and Due Diligence

Our zero-tolerance stance on modern slavery is reflected in our internal policies on ethical conduct, recruitment, and health and safety. Recruitment is carried out using fair and transparent processes, with identity and right-to-work checks completed for all employees. We do not charge recruitment fees to workers and we do not hold original identity documents.

Relevant employees, including managers and those responsible for procurement and subcontracting, receive guidance to help them recognise signs of modern slavery and understand the actions they must take if they have concerns. We seek to build long-term, transparent relationships with suppliers, encouraging open dialogue about ethical practices and continuous improvement.

Reporting Channels and Raising Concerns

Gardeners Maze Hill encourages all employees, subcontractors, and suppliers to report any concerns or suspicions of modern slavery or human trafficking at the earliest opportunity. Concerns can be raised directly with line managers or senior management, or through other internal reporting routes made available to our workforce.

All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and treated confidentially so far as is reasonably possible. We will not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. Where we identify a genuine risk or incident of modern slavery, we will take appropriate remedial action and, where necessary, cooperate with law enforcement or other competent authorities.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that preventing modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. Gardeners Maze Hill regularly reviews the effectiveness of our approach, including our policies, supplier standards, and audit processes, to identify areas for improvement and to respond to emerging risks.

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed and updated on an annual basis and approved by the management of Gardeners Maze Hill. The review considers changes in legislation, feedback from our workforce and suppliers, audit findings, and any reported concerns or incidents. Through this process of continuous improvement, Gardeners Maze Hill aims to strengthen our defences against modern slavery and to uphold the dignity and rights of everyone who contributes to our business.