Gardeners Golders Green - Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Golders Green publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our commitment to preventing forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, and this anti-slavery statement applies across our gardens, procurement activities and partnerships. This declaration explains our approach, the steps we take and how we review effectiveness.

We recognise that a comprehensive modern slavery policy requires clear leadership and resources. Our Board and senior management have adopted a formal policy which states that any evidence of exploitation, coercion, or unfair labour practices will result in immediate action, including termination of contracts and referral to the appropriate authorities. This zero-tolerance stance underpins our contracting, recruitment and operational decisions.

This slavery and human trafficking statement covers the period of the financial year and applies to all staff and contractors engaged by Gardeners Golders Green. We conduct risk assessments across geographical areas and categories of suppliers to identify where modern slavery risks may be highest, focusing on seasonal labour, subcontracted services and imported plant materials. Where higher risks are identified, we apply enhanced due diligence and monitoring.

Supply Chain Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We carry out regular supplier audits and screening to ensure compliance with our anti-slavery requirements. Our supplier assurance programme includes:

• Contract clauses mandating compliance with anti-slavery laws and our code of conduct;
• Document checks and site visits for high-risk suppliers;
• Periodic independent audits and follow-up action plans where concerns are found.

Supplier audits are risk-based: higher frequency and depth for categories with elevated exposure to forced labour. Audit outcomes inform our supplier risk rating and remediation steps, up to and including contract termination for non-compliance. We also require suppliers to cascade our standards to their subcontractors.

We invest in training for procurement teams and site managers so they can recognise indicators of exploitation, verify worker documentation where lawful, and respond appropriately. Our procurement protocols include supplier declarations, right-to-work checks where permitted, and monitoring of working hours and wages against legal standards.

Reporting Channels, Whistleblowing and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Golders Green maintains clear reporting channels for concerns about modern slavery. We provide secure, confidential and (where requested) anonymous channels for employees, contractors and supply chain workers to raise issues. Reports are reviewed by a designated compliance lead and escalated to senior management. Our response process includes prompt investigation, support for affected people, and corrective action when needed.

Reporting channels are supported by training and awareness materials so staff and partners know how to escalate concerns. We take all reports seriously and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Where criminal activity is suspected, we will notify law enforcement and cooperate fully with investigations.

We are committed to continual improvement of our anti-slavery measures. This includes regular review of supplier audit findings, training uptake, and reported incidents. We aim to strengthen transparency across our procurement and increase the capacity of lower-tier suppliers to meet our standards.