Gardening Mill Hill: Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Mill Hill publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm our clear commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation across our gardening services and supply chains. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and expect every colleague, contractor and supplier to adhere to the same high standards. This declaration sets out our approach to risk management, due diligence, and continuous improvement in modern slavery compliance.

Our scope covers operations, subcontractors, suppliers of materials and seasonal labour arrangements. The anti-slavery statement applies to everyone who works for or with Gardening Mill Hill and is part of our ongoing governance. Responsibility for implementation sits with senior management and the compliance team, who lead on policy, training and supplier engagement. We emphasise transparency, accountability and remedial action where concerns are identified.

We operate a clear zero-tolerance approach in practice through policies and enforcement. Examples of our commitment include:

• Mandatory clauses in supplier contracts requiring compliance with our modern slavery policy.
• Regular training for staff and contractors so workers can recognise and report abuses.
• Immediate suspension of any supplier found to be non-compliant pending investigation.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

Gardening Mill Hill has an established supplier audit framework to assess and mitigate the risk of slavery and human trafficking in our procurement of plants, tools, protective equipment and seasonal labour. Our supplier audits combine desk-based review, risk scoring and targeted on-site verification where appropriate. We prioritise suppliers in higher-risk regions and categories for closer scrutiny.

Our audits and due diligence processes include:

• Pre-engagement screening and contractual commitments.
• Periodic self-assessment questionnaires supplemented by third-party audits.
• Corrective action plans and follow-up checks to ensure remediation.

We apply a risk-based supplier segmentation and maintain records of supplier performance. Suppliers are required to demonstrate lawful pay, safe working conditions and freedom of movement for workers. We also work with industry groups and peers to share best practice on modern slavery prevention in horticulture and grounds maintenance.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardening Mill Hill provides multiple safe and confidential reporting channels so workers, contractors and third parties can raise concerns about slavery, exploitation or trafficking. We promote internal reporting to managers and a confidential whistleblowing route managed by our compliance lead. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly.

Accepted reporting options include (without publishing contact details here):

• Anonymised third-party whistleblowing mechanism for employees and external stakeholders.
• Direct reporting to line management, HR or our designated compliance officer.
• Escalation protocols for urgent threats to worker safety, including immediate suspension of suspected suppliers.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement: We undertake an annual review of our slavery and human trafficking statement, policies and practices to measure effectiveness and identify improvements. The annual review evaluates audit findings, incident reports, remediation outcomes, and training uptake. Results of the review inform updated risk assessments, revised supplier requirements and additional staff education where needed.

Our commitments are clear: we will not tolerate forced labour in any form; we will conduct rigorous supplier audits; we will maintain confidential reporting channels; and we will perform an annual review to strengthen our modern slavery compliance. At Gardening Mill Hill we believe that preventing modern slavery is ongoing work. We will continue to invest in monitoring, supplier engagement and staff awareness to protect vulnerable workers and ensure our gardening operations and procurement honour human rights and legal obligations.