Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement – Evergreen Grounds

Published: 21 September 2025 • Next review: 21 September 2026

Evergreen Grounds is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly. Although we are not required to publish a statement under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (turnover below £36m), we voluntarily set out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.

Our business and supply chain

We provide landscaping, fencing, gardening, tree surgery and grounds maintenance across the North East of England. Our supply chain includes UK/EU-based suppliers of timber and fencing materials, aggregates, plants and soils, PPE, tools/plant hire, fuel, waste management, and local subcontractors.

Policies & governance

  • Zero tolerance for forced labour, child labour, human trafficking or exploitation.

  • Full compliance with UK employment law, including fair pay, working hours and right-to-work checks.

  • Supplier & Subcontractor expectations embedded in our terms: compliance with the Modern Slavery Act and ethical labour standards.

  • Speak-up route: concerns can be raised directly with management; issues are investigated and addressed promptly.

Due diligence

  • Onboarding checks for suppliers/subcontractors (identity, insurance, competence/qualifications, H&S).

  • Contractual requirements: no forced labour; fair pay; safe working conditions; right-to-work checks for any labour engaged; cooperation with audits.

  • Enhanced scrutiny where risk is higher (e.g., imported timber/PPE or labour intermediaries).

Risk assessment

Our UK operations are generally low risk. Potential higher-risk areas include imported timber and PPE, and any use of temporary labour by subcontractors. We prioritise checks in these areas and review risks annually.

Training & awareness

  • Induction briefings for managers/leads and supplier onboarding conversations include modern slavery awareness.

  • Site leaders brief teams on signs of exploitation and how to report concerns.

Measuring effectiveness (KPIs)

  • 100% of new suppliers/subcontractors confirm compliance with our standards.

  • 100% of employees have right-to-work evidence on file.

  • Recorded incidents: target zero; any issue triggers corrective action and policy review.

Continuous improvement (next 12 months)

  • Issue a one-page Supplier Code of Conduct to all active suppliers.

  • Add an annual compliance confirmation for key suppliers.

  • Keep risk mapping under review (materials and labour sources).

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Contact & reporting

Email: info@evergreengrounds.co.uk

Phone: 07802367197
Website: evergreengrounds.co.uk •

Checkatrade: checkatrade.com/trades/jrservicesgroup

Approved by:
Jack Roberts, Director – Evergreen Grounds
Date: 21 September 2025Contact & reporting

Email: info@evergreengrounds.co.uk