Gardening Barnet Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Barnet publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and supply chain. This anti-slavery declaration sets out the steps we take, the measures we apply and the expectations we place upon our partners. We operate a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of forced labour, bonded labour, and the exploitation of workers.

We recognise the responsibilities that come with being a community-focused horticulture and landscaping organisation. Our modern slavery policy is integrated into our governance, procurement and employment practices. This modern slavery statement is intended to be clear, accessible and action-oriented so that everyone connected to Gardening Barnet understands our expectations and obligations.

Scope and Principles

Our statement covers our direct operations, contractors and suppliers. We seek to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks in sourcing and service delivery. The following principles guide our approach:

• Prevention: embedding anti-slavery clauses into contracts and purchase orders.
• Participation: engaging suppliers in open dialogue and collaborative risk reduction.
• Protection: safeguarding vulnerable workers and volunteers from exploitation.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy which means any credible allegation of forced labour, human trafficking or other exploitative practices will trigger an immediate investigation and proportionate action. Such actions may include contract termination, requirement for remedial measures, or reporting to authorities where appropriate. Our stance is unwavering: exploitation has no place in our organisation or amongst our business partners.

Supplier due diligence and audits form a core part of our compliance programme. We conduct supplier assessments at onboarding and at intervals during the contractual relationship. Audits are selected based on risk rating and may include document review, site visits, and worker interviews. Where issues are identified, suppliers are required to implement corrective action plans that are monitored until completion.

Our procurement standards include:

• Risk-based audits: prioritising suppliers in high-risk sectors.
• Contract clauses: requiring compliance with anti-slavery laws and right-to-work checks.
• Worker protections: bans on recruitment fees and preservation of identity documents.

Reporting Channels and Response

We promote accessible reporting channels so staff, volunteers and third parties can raise concerns. Reports may be made anonymously, and all disclosures are treated seriously and confidentially. Our reporting framework includes internal reporting routes, escalation procedures and a formal investigation protocol. We emphasise that retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited.

How we handle reports:

• Receive and log the report promptly.
• Conduct an impartial assessment to determine credibility and risk.
• Take proportionate remedial action, including engagement with law enforcement if necessary.

To support transparency and continuous improvement, we provide regular training to staff and procurement teams. Training covers recognising signs of slavery and human trafficking, responsible contracting, and how to use reporting mechanisms. We also encourage suppliers to implement their own anti-slavery policies aligned with ours.

Accountability and annual review are central to our approach. Each year, we review our modern slavery statement, audit results, incident reports and the effectiveness of remedial measures. This annual review informs any necessary revisions to policy, supplier engagement strategies and training content. The findings of the review are documented and used to strengthen our program across operations and the supply chain.

In conclusion, Gardening Barnet is committed to continuous vigilance and improvement in combating modern slavery within our sphere of influence. We expect the same high standards from our partners and suppliers. Our combined actions aim to protect vulnerable individuals, ensure ethical supply chains and maintain the highest standards of integrity in all we do.