Gardening Honor Oak - Modern Slavery Statement
Gardening Honor Oak is committed to preventing any form of modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement (also referred to as our modern slavery and human trafficking statement) outlines our approach, governance and the practical steps we take to identify, prevent and remedy any occurrence of forced labour, child labour or other exploitative practices. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards slavery, forced labour and exploitation.
Scope and Commitment
Our anti-slavery statement applies across Gardening Honor Oak’s direct activities, our service delivery teams, and our procurement of goods and services. We maintain an anti-slavery statement and a clear code of conduct for employees and suppliers. All staff and contractors are trained on recognising the signs of exploitation and instructed that there is no tolerance for practices inconsistent with our values.
Zero-Tolerance Approach and Standards
We enforce a zero-tolerance policy supported by specific contractual clauses and supplier standards. Our expectations include, but are not limited to:
- Fair pay and legal working hours;
- Voluntary employment with no indebtedness due to fees or withheld documents;
- Safe, humane working conditions and access to remedies.
To operationalise our modern slavery policy we conduct robust supplier due diligence and risk assessments. Gardening Honor Oak segments suppliers by risk profile and requires higher-risk suppliers to submit documentation, certifications and evidence of labour practices. We integrate anti-modern slavery clauses into contracts and reserve the right to terminate relationships where compliance cannot be established or remediated.
Supplier audits form a core part of our prevention strategy. We perform a mix of announced and unannounced audits, desk-based reviews and on-site inspections for critical suppliers. These supplier audits include worker interviews, payroll checks and verification of recruitment practices. Where issues are found we require time-bound corrective action plans and follow-up assessments until satisfactory remediation is confirmed. We also promote capacity building through supplier training on ethical recruitment and responsible labour management.
Reporting channels are available for employees, contractors and third parties to raise concerns about slavery and trafficking. Reports can be made through our internal escalation routes, anonymous reporting mechanisms and to designated safeguarding leads. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and confidentially, and appropriate protective measures are put in place for any potential victims. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
When allegations are substantiated, Gardening Honor Oak follows a victim-centred remediation approach that prioritises safety, access to support and restoration rather than punitive measures alone. We work collaboratively with relevant authorities, civil society organisations and supply chain partners to ensure remediation, restitution where appropriate, and to prevent recurrence. Our procurement and HR teams coordinate to ensure that corrective actions are documented and integrated into future supplier selection.
Review, Governance and Continuous Improvement
Our slavery and trafficking statement is overseen by senior management and reviewed by the governance committee. We evaluate risk indicators, audit outcomes and incident reports as part of our governance cycle and provide training updates to staff. This governance framework supports transparency and accountability across the business.