Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Shortlands
Hedge Trimming Shortlands affirms a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation across our operations and supply chain. This modern slavery statement outlines our ongoing commitment to ethical practice, describing how Shortlands hedge trimming teams and contractors are expected to operate in line with high standards of integrity and respect for human rights. We recognise our responsibility to act and to continuously improve.
Our statement applies to all persons who work for us, whether directly employed, contracted through agencies, apprentices or volunteers involved in hedge trimming in Shortlands and related grounds maintenance activities. We define modern slavery broadly to include forced labour, bonded labour, child labour and unfair recruitment practices. Hedge trimming Shortlands services must be delivered with transparency and dignity for every worker.
Supply Chain Expectations and Supplier Standards
We require that all suppliers, subcontractors and partners who provide goods or services to Hedge-Trimming Shortlands adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct. That code demands lawful employment, payment of at least the national minimum wage, freedom of movement, and safe working conditions. To reinforce these expectations we operate regular supplier onboarding, contractual clauses and risk-based compliance checks.
Our procurement teams and site managers conduct supplier audits and due diligence focused on labour practices and recruitment channels. Audit activities include document reviews, interviews, on-site inspections and where relevant, third-party verifications. Items included in our audit checklists are:
- Proof of right to work and lawful recruitment processes
- Wage and working hours records
- Health and safety measures specific to hedge trimming and arboriculture
- Subcontractor chains and migrant worker protections
Reporting Channels and Worker Protections
Hedge Trimming Shortlands maintains accessible reporting channels so that concerns about modern slavery can be raised safely and confidentially. Workers, suppliers and members of the public can report issues through internal escalation routes, trusted line management, or via anonymous reporting mechanisms implemented by our compliance team. We explicitly protect whistleblowers and do not tolerate retaliation.
Reports are logged, triaged and investigated by a panel that includes senior management, HR and legal counsel where appropriate. Investigations prioritise victim safety and immediate remediation, which may include removal from harm, referral to support services and cooperation with law enforcement. If abuse is substantiated, we will take decisive action including termination of contracts and referral for prosecution as necessary.
To ensure effectiveness, we provide regular training for staff and contractors on recognising signs of exploitation in the field — for instance, indicators observed during hedge maintenance rounds, or concerning recruitment practices affecting seasonal pruning teams. Our training includes practical examples, escalation steps and the promotion of a speak-up culture across Shortlands hedge trimming operations.
Hedge Trimming Shortlands is committed to continuous improvement. We perform an annual review of our modern slavery risk assessment, supplier audit results and remediation outcomes. The review informs policy updates, targets for improved supplier compliance and enhancements to our auditing methodology. Results and actions from the review are approved by senior leadership to ensure accountability and resource allocation.
Key performance measures include supplier audit completion rates, number of confirmed incidents and the speed and effectiveness of remedial actions. We also benchmark our performance against sector best practice in grounds maintenance and arboricultural services, and we engage with peer organisations to share learning on preventing exploitation.
Conclusion: Our commitment to eliminating modern slavery from every aspect of our work is unequivocal. Shortlands hedge trimming operations will maintain zero tolerance, strengthen supplier audits, offer safe reporting channels and conduct rigorous annual reviews so that every tree, hedge and garden we care for is maintained by a workforce treated with fairness, respect and dignity.