Gardener Southwark Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Southwark is committed to preventing modern slavery in all its forms. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach and the steps we take to identify, prevent and remedy instances of forced labour, servitude or human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We require that everyone who works with or for us understands that exploitation will not be tolerated.

Our policy and commitment

Our modern slavery statement applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and human trafficking and ensure compliance with relevant laws. The anti-slavery policy is embedded within our procurement and HR practices, and we promote a culture where concerns are raised and acted upon swiftly. This anti-modern slavery policy underpins procurement, recruitment and subcontracting decisions.

We have adopted contractual clauses that require suppliers to comply with our standards. All new contracts include anti-slavery warranties and the right to audit compliance. Our expected standards form part of supplier onboarding and are communicated in pre-qualification questionnaires and supplier agreements to reduce the risk of exploitation in the supply chain.

Supplier audits and due diligence

We conduct targeted supplier audits and due diligence, prioritising higher-risk categories. Our supplier audits are risk-based, combining document review, on-site checks and third-party assessments. Supplier audits focus on working hours, wage practices, recruitment fees and living conditions where relevant. Where issues are identified, we require corrective action plans and follow-up visits until standards improve.

Key elements of our supplier audit programme include:

• Risk assessment: mapping and scoring suppliers by exposure to modern slavery risks.
• On-site verification: scheduled and unannounced inspections where necessary.
• Remedial measures: contract suspension or termination if corrective actions are not completed.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

Gardener Southwark provides clear reporting channels for concerns about forced labour or exploitation. Workers, suppliers and third parties can raise issues through confidential internal channels and an anonymous reporting mechanism. We ensure reports are treated confidentially and investigate allegations thoroughly and promptly. Our reporting channels are accessible in multiple languages and are supported by anti-retaliation protections to encourage disclosure without fear.

When an allegation is received we enact a structured response: an initial assessment, investigation team assignment, evidence gathering and engagement with relevant stakeholders. Where a breach is confirmed, our actions include remediation for affected individuals, disciplinary measures, contract termination and referral to authorities where appropriate. We track outcomes and lessons learned to improve controls.

We provide regular training to employees and procurement teams to ensure awareness of modern slavery risks. Training includes how to recognise signs of exploitation, the use of reporting channels and how to engage ethically with suppliers. Our performance indicators include the number of supplier audits completed, incidents identified and corrective actions closed.

Governance and responsibility: senior leadership and the board oversee our anti-slavery efforts. Responsibility for implementation sits with designated officers in procurement, HR and compliance. We embed modern slavery considerations into contract approvals and supplier selection. Our procurement policies reflect the importance of human rights and ethical sourcing in decision making.

Annual review and continuous improvement: we conduct an annual review of our modern slavery risk profile, policies and processes. This review assesses the effectiveness of our zero-tolerance policy, supplier audits, reporting channels and remedial actions. Findings are used to refine our approach, update training and adjust resource allocation to higher-risk areas.

In this modern slavery and forced labour statement we commit to transparency, targeted supplier engagement and an ongoing programme of improvement. We will report progress annually, measure outcomes against clear KPIs and continue to strengthen our supply chain controls.

Conclusion: Gardener Southwark will not tolerate slavery or human trafficking in any part of its business. Through our zero-tolerance stance, robust supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and an annual review process, we aim to prevent exploitation and support ethical practices across our operations and supply chains.