Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Barkingside

Commitment and Scope

Team surveying hedges before work in Barkingside Hedge Trimming Barkingside is committed to a strict zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour across all operations. This statement covers all activities related to our hedge care services in Barkingside, including subcontracted hedge maintenance, stump removal and seasonal hedge pruning. We recognise our responsibility to protect workers in our supply chain and among on-site teams, and we set clear expectations for fair treatment, lawful wages and safe working conditions.

We operate as a local provider of hedge trimming Barkingside services and also engage with regional suppliers for plant hire, materials and temporary labour. Our approach integrates risk assessment and prevention measures, emphasising transparency and accountability. All employees, contractors and suppliers must adhere to our standards, which are embedded into contracts and procurement processes.

Inspector reviewing supplier documents for compliance

Policy Framework

Our anti-slavery policy is published and communicated to staff and partners. It outlines prohibited practices, reporting obligations and the consequences of breaches. The policy explicitly states a zero tolerance stance: any confirmed instance of modern slavery will result in immediate remedial action including termination of contracts, cooperation with authorities and provision of appropriate support to affected individuals.

Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We conduct due diligence on suppliers and subcontractors to identify and mitigate risks related to modern slavery. For suppliers involved in hedge maintenance Barkingside projects and associated services, our assessments include verification of employment records, right-to-work checks and examination of recruitment practices. We use a risk-based approach to prioritise audit activity.

On-site audit of hedge trimming subcontractor Audits are performed both remotely and on-site. Remote reviews consider documentation and policies; on-site audits verify working conditions, payroll practices and living arrangements where applicable. Audit outcomes are documented and shared with suppliers. If issues are identified, we require corrective action plans with clear timelines and follow-up audits to ensure compliance.

Suppliers that fail to demonstrate improvement or that engage in exploitative practices will be removed from our approved list. We include contractual clauses that permit termination for breaches related to human trafficking and forced labour, ensuring our hedge maintenance in Barkingside and surrounding areas is supported by ethical partners.

Reporting Channels and Worker Protection

We provide multiple safe reporting channels for employees, subcontractors and third parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery. Reports can be made anonymously through internal whistleblowing mechanisms, via a designated compliance officer or through an independent third-party reporting line. All reports are treated seriously and investigated promptly.

Worker accessing confidential reporting channel Confidentiality is maintained wherever possible to protect whistleblowers from retaliation. We offer support measures for affected individuals, including referral to specialised services, legal advice and temporary shelter arrangements if needed. These protections apply to workers on any hedge trimming Barkingside site and throughout our supply chain.

Training session for hedge maintenance staff Training for staff and contractors is mandatory. Training covers recognition of exploitation indicators, correct recruitment practices and how to use reporting channels. Managers receive additional guidance on responding to disclosures and collaborating with external agencies to ensure victim-centred outcomes.

Remediation and Continuous Improvement

When modern slavery indicators are discovered, we follow a structured remediation process that prioritises victim safety and recovery. Remediation may include suspension of offending suppliers, referral to support services and remediation payments where appropriate. Lessons learned inform updates to our procurement criteria, contract terms and audit checklists.

We also engage with industry groups and local stakeholders to share best practices for preventing exploitation in hedge care and related services. Collaboration strengthens collective capacity to detect and deter forced labour in the landscaping and hedge trimming sectors across Barkingside and neighbouring communities.

Annual Review: Our approach is reviewed at least annually. The review assesses policy effectiveness, audit results, training uptake and reported incidents. Senior leadership signs off on the annual modern slavery statement, and any necessary revisions are implemented to improve protections and monitoring.

By combining clear policy, robust supplier audits, safe reporting channels and a firm commitment to continual improvement, Hedge Trimming Barkingside seeks to eradicate modern slavery from every aspect of our operations and supply network.