Gardener Barkingside Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Gardener Barkingside is committed to the highest standards of ethics and human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement describes our approach to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation across our operations and supply chains. We operate a zero-tolerance position on modern slavery and require everyone who works with us to meet those standards. This modern slavery statement explains our expectations, controls and ongoing commitments.

We maintain a clear zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, bonded labour, involuntary servitude or human trafficking. All employees, contractors and partners are expected to adhere to our code and relevant contractual clauses. Our employment and recruitment processes promote fair treatment, lawful pay and freedom of movement. We do not tolerate exploitative practices and will take decisive action if breaches are identified.

Our procurement and supplier engagement processes embed anti-slavery commitments. The company requires suppliers to sign terms that prohibit modern slavery. As part of our modern slavery policy we perform initial checks, require declarations of compliance and include remedies in contracts. We make clear that any supplier that fails to meet our standards will face remediation requirements or termination of the relationship.

Gardener Barkingside carries out risk-based due diligence across its purchasing footprint. We assess geographic, sector and product risks to identify where slavery or human trafficking is more likely to occur. Our supplier onboarding includes background checks and documentation reviews. The slavery statement for Gardener Barkingside informs procurement decisions and prioritises high-risk suppliers for enhanced scrutiny.

We perform both desktop and onsite audits when necessary. Audits examine employment records, payment practices, recruitment fees and working conditions. Findings inform corrective action plans and ongoing monitoring. Where required, independent third-party auditors are engaged to validate conditions and verify supplier improvements.

Key components of our supplier audit program include:

• Risk screening: initial and periodic risk reviews.
• Contractual clauses: mandatory anti-slavery commitments.
• Onsite checks: targeted audits and remediation timelines.
• Training: capacity building for suppliers on compliance.

Gardener Barkingside maintains clear and accessible reporting channels for concerns about slavery, exploitation or human trafficking. Staff and third parties are encouraged to report suspected breaches through established internal mechanisms. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled with confidentiality. We emphasise that whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation and that concerns can be raised without fear.

Investigations follow a defined process: initial assessment, fact-finding, corrective measures and follow-up monitoring. When issues are confirmed we require suppliers to implement corrective action plans and we reserve the right to cease engagement with persistent non-compliant parties. Our grievance and reporting mechanisms are a central feature of the Modern Slavery Policy and help us enforce standards across our network.

The board and senior management review our anti-slavery performance regularly. This statement is subject to an annual review to assess effectiveness, update risk assessments and refine controls. We monitor progress against objectives, report findings to leadership and adjust policies where necessary. Gardener Barkingside remains resolute: we will continue to prevent modern slavery in our operations and supply chains, strengthen supplier audits, promote transparent reporting channels and conduct robust annual reviews to improve accountability and protection for vulnerable workers.