Gardener Staines Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Staines is committed to preventing any form of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach, expectations and actions to identify, mitigate and remedy risks. We acknowledge our responsibility under applicable legislation and adopt a proactive, zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation in any form.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

Our anti-slavery policy makes clear that all workers engaged by Gardener Staines must be treated with dignity and respect. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance: any evidence of forced labour, debt bondage or human trafficking will trigger immediate action, including termination of contracts and referral to authorities where appropriate. The organisation requires that all staff, contractors and partners comply with this slavery and human trafficking statement as a condition of engagement.

We recognise that a modern slavery statement must be practical and enforceable. Our expectations of suppliers include valid labour documentation, transparent recruitment practices, and assurance that no fee is charged to workers for recruitment. We publish and require adherence to our supplier code, which outlines standards on working hours, wages and the prohibition of forced labour. Key supplier requirements include:

• Verification of worker identity and lawful employment status;
• Prohibition of recruitment fees and bonded labour;
• Transparent pay, working conditions and grievance access.

We operate a comprehensive supplier audits programme. Audits and due diligence are carried out on a risk-based schedule, combining remote assessments, documentation reviews and on-site inspections where necessary. Audit findings inform corrective action plans and may lead to contract suspension or termination if improvements are not delivered. Our approach to supplier audits is designed to be fair, systematic and focused on continuous improvement.

Audit methodologies include worker interviews, payroll inspections and cross-checks of recruitment chains to map where risks of forced labour may occur. We prioritise higher-risk suppliers for more frequent audits, and we use a combination of internal teams and independent third-party auditors to maintain objectivity. If potential issues are uncovered, we escalate matters to senior management and apply targeted remediation steps, monitored until closed.

Training forms a central element of prevention. All procurement staff and managers receive periodic training on identifying signs of modern slavery, conducting effective supplier due diligence and responding to disclosures. We also provide resources to help suppliers strengthen compliance, including capacity-building workshops and templates to improve documentation and transparency.

Our reporting channels are secure, accessible and confidential. Employees, contractors and third parties are encouraged to report concerns through established internal whistleblowing routes and anonymous reporting mechanisms. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly by trained personnel. We ensure protections are in place for whistleblowers and provide clear steps for remediation where exploitation is identified.

Reporting Channels and Remediation

Reports of suspected exploitation trigger a defined response protocol: investigation, immediate protective actions for affected individuals, supplier corrective measures and, where warranted, termination of the relationship. We collaborate with relevant authorities and specialist organisations to ensure survivors receive appropriate support. Complaints and investigation outcomes are tracked to completion and recorded for learning and transparency.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement — This slavery and human trafficking statement is reviewed at least annually by our senior leadership and Board to evaluate effectiveness and ensure alignment with evolving legal and ethical standards. The review considers audit results, reported incidents, training uptake and supplier performance metrics. Revisions to policy and practice are implemented promptly to strengthen safeguards and reduce risk across our operations and supply chain.