Hedge Trimming Deptford Modern Slavery Statement
Hedge Trimming Deptford is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach and the concrete steps we take to ensure a zero-tolerance policy to any form of forced labour, exploitation or human trafficking in our hedge maintenance services across Deptford and surrounding areas. We recognise our responsibility as a local service provider in hedge trimming and garden maintenance to act with integrity and vigilance.
Our commitment to ethical work practices extends across our supply chain and workforce. For all Deptford hedge trimming contracts we apply strict recruitment and employment checks, adherence to working time regulations and fair pay practices. We emphasise transparency for subcontractors and seasonal staff. Hedge maintenance Deptford teams are trained to spot signs of exploitation and to respond according to policy.
To ensure compliance, we operate a formal supplier audit program. Supplier audits evaluate labour practices, documentation, recruitment processes and living conditions where applicable. A risk-based assessment guides the frequency and depth of audits: higher risk suppliers and contractors engaged in large-scale hedge and grounds maintenance receive priority review. Audit outcomes determine corrective action plans, ongoing monitoring and where necessary, termination of supplier relationships. The audit framework includes:
- Verification of employment records and right-to-work checks
- On-site inspections and worker interviews
- Contractual clauses requiring compliance with anti-slavery standards
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Supplier Standards
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward slavery and human trafficking. Our supplier agreements for Deptford hedge trimming and landscape services include binding clauses requiring adherence to ethical labour standards. Breaches trigger immediate investigation and may result in remediation requirements, suspension or contract termination. The policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers and third-party suppliers.
Reporting channels are a cornerstone of our prevention strategy. We provide secure and confidential reporting mechanisms for employees and external parties to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery within hedge trimming operations. Reports can be submitted through internal whistleblowing systems and through anonymous reporting forms established for contractors. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and documented with outcomes. We also offer support to affected workers, including safe referral routes and collaboration with relevant authorities.
Training, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Training for staff engaged in Deptford hedge trimming is mandatory. Employees receive regular training on recognising signs of exploitation, how to use reporting channels and their role in upholding our anti-slavery standards. We conduct periodic site visits and remote monitoring to ensure that operational practices for hedge care and pruning comply with ethical standards. Continuous improvement is embedded in our approach: we update training materials and risk assessments as new information or legislation emerges.
We apply corrective actions when issues are identified. These range from supplier coaching and time-bound remediation plans to contract termination for serious or persistent violations. Our procurement and operations teams work together to ensure that suppliers engaged in hedge works in Deptford implement sustainable, ethical labour practices. We document corrective measures and track implementation until closure.
Annual review and reporting: this statement and associated policies are reviewed at least once a year by senior management. The annual review assesses the effectiveness of our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audit outcomes, training uptake, and the responsiveness of reporting channels. Key performance indicators include number of supplier audits completed, incidents reported, remediation actions closed and training completion rates. Findings from the review inform improvements in supplier selection, contractual terms and internal controls to better prevent modern slavery in our hedge trimming operations.
Hedge Trimming Deptford remains fully committed to eliminating modern slavery from our services, supply chains and partnerships. We will continue to strengthen governance, transparency and oversight to protect workers and maintain high ethical standards in every aspect of our hedge maintenance and vegetation management work.