Gardeners Gardening Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Gardening publishes this modern slavery statement to declare a clear, company-wide commitment: we operate a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation. This anti-slavery commitment is a living anti-slavery statement that shapes our procurement, employment, and on-site practices. Our Modern Slavery Policy is integral to our values and sets expectations for colleagues, contractors and suppliers.

As a horticultural and landscaping provider, Gardeners Gardening recognises the particular vulnerabilities in seasonal and contracted labour. We require every worker, whether permanent, temporary or engaged through third parties, to be treated lawfully and with dignity. Our slavery and human trafficking statement mandates proactive checks on working conditions, pay and freedom to leave employment, and it forbids the retention of identity documents or withholding of wages.

We have a zero-tolerance policy that applies across all operations and supplier relationships. Any confirmed breach of this policy will result in immediate action, up to and including termination of contracts and referral to law enforcement. Our approach to compliance is both preventative and corrective: we aim to prevent exploitation and respond decisively when risks are identified.

Supplier Audits and Responsible Procurement

Gardeners Gardening maintains a robust supplier management framework that includes due diligence and periodic audits. All new suppliers must complete a risk assessment that examines recruitment practices, sub-contracting, and worker protections. Where higher risks are identified, we implement enhanced monitoring and corrective action plans. Our supplier code of conduct requires adherence to our anti-slavery policy and includes audit rights.

We conduct regular supplier audits and site visits, and we use a mix of documentation review, worker interviews and on-site inspections. These audits are designed to verify compliance with labour standards and to identify systemic issues. Audits are followed by remediation plans where necessary, with timelines and metrics for improvement. Repeat non-compliance may lead to contract termination and substitution of the supplier.

Our procurement team and contract managers receive training on modern slavery risks and supply chain transparency. We also maintain a tiered approach to supplier risk, focusing resources where vulnerability is greatest. Key controls include:

• Pre-contract risk assessments and enhanced due diligence for high-risk categories;
• Periodic supplier audits and unannounced inspections;
• Mandatory corrective action plans for identified breaches.

Reporting Channels, Training and Annual Review

Gardeners Gardening promotes multiple, confidential reporting channels for concerns about modern slavery, exploitation or unethical practices. Workers and stakeholders are encouraged to report via dedicated internal channels and through an anonymous whistleblowing mechanism. Reports are taken seriously and investigated by trained compliance officers. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Our training program includes induction modules for new staff, specialist briefings for procurement and HR teams, and refresher sessions for site managers. Training emphasises practical indicators of exploitation, the company's zero tolerance stance, and the steps to escalate concerns. We maintain records of attendance and assessment to ensure effectiveness.

Gardeners Gardening commits to an annual review of this modern slavery statement and its operational policies. Each year we report internally on audit outcomes, remediation progress, training metrics and any significant incidents. The annual review also revises risk assessments and updates supplier engagement strategies to reflect changing conditions. Through continuous improvement, transparency and decisive action, our anti-slavery statement underlines Gardeners Gardening's enduring commitment to eradicate modern slavery from our operations and supply chains.