Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Herne Hill
Hedge Trimming Herne Hill is committed to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking from our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to slavery prevention across our gardening and maintenance services, including our Herne Hill hedge trimming activities. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, servitude, bonded labour or human trafficking.
We recognise that risks can arise at any level of the supply chain for local lawn care and hedge services. Our commitments cover direct employees, subcontractors, temporary labour and third-party suppliers engaged for hedge-trimming Herne Hill projects. We expect all colleagues and partners to adhere to our standards and to actively support the protection of vulnerable workers.
To implement this policy we have put in place clear contractual requirements for suppliers and contractors providing hedge trimming in Herne Hill and surrounding boroughs. These clauses require compliance with applicable labour laws, proof of right to work, transparent wage practices and cooperation with audits. Our supplier agreements include the right to suspend or terminate contracts if modern slavery is discovered.
Policies, Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
We perform regular risk assessments specific to grounds maintenance and Herne Hill hedge trimming operations, focusing on areas of higher vulnerability such as seasonal hiring and subcontracted labour. Our procurement team screens new suppliers and conducts background checks to identify potential exposure to exploitation.
Our due diligence combines document review with on-site checks. We conduct supplier audits and inspections that examine payroll records, employment contracts and working conditions. These audits are conducted by trained staff or independent auditors and are prioritised by risk level, with high-risk suppliers reviewed more frequently.
Training for managers and field teams is mandatory and includes awareness of indicators of modern slavery, how to spot signs of exploitation in hedge maintenance crews, and the correct steps to take if concerns arise. We maintain a whistleblowing culture and encourage staff to report issues without fear of retaliation.
Supplier Audits, Monitoring and Remediation
Our supplier audit program for hedge-trimming suppliers includes periodic scheduled reviews and unannounced spot checks. Audits document compliance against minimum standards and generate corrective action plans where deficiencies are found. We use a staged response: education and support for minor breaches, escalating to contract termination when severe or systemic abuse is identified.
Key audit elements include:
- Verification of payroll and time records to ensure fair pay and lawful deductions
- Review of recruitment practices to prevent fee-based or debt-bonded hiring
- Evidence of legally required identification and right-to-work checks
- Interviews with workers to confirm voluntary employment and safe working conditions
We maintain a remediation framework that supports victims and seeks to restore fair outcomes, including facilitation of employment transitions, restitution where appropriate, and longer-term measures to prevent recurrence. Where remediation involves third parties, we act within legal and ethical guidelines to prioritise the welfare of workers.
Reporting channels are made available to all staff and workers across our Hedge-Trimming Herne Hill operations. Reports can be made confidentially through internal channels and are treated with urgency and discretion. We also cooperate with relevant authorities and will support appropriate law enforcement action when illegal activity is uncovered.
Governance for this statement sits with senior management and is reviewed by our compliance lead. We will publish progress updates and maintain transparent records of audit findings, corrective actions and training completion rates. Our approach is guided by continual improvement and alignment with relevant modern slavery legislation.
We commit to an annual review of this Modern Slavery Statement and the underlying policies, procedures and audit outcomes. Each year we will reassess risk profiles, update supplier due diligence, refresh training materials and adjust our supplier audit cadence to reflect evolving risk. This statement is effective for the reporting period and will be revised at least once every 12 months to reflect improvements and lessons learned from our Herne Hill hedge trimming operations.
By maintaining a robust zero-tolerance stance and an active programme of supplier audits, clear reporting channels and scheduled annual review, Hedge Trimming Herne Hill aims to prevent modern slavery in our business and to promote responsible practices throughout the local landscaping sector.