Gardeners Charlton Modern Slavery Statement

Our commitment to preventing modern slavery

Gardeners Charlton affirms a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking. This Modern Slavery Statement outlines our approach to identifying, preventing and remedying instances of exploitation across our operations and supply chain. We recognise that preventing modern slavery requires ongoing vigilance, clear governance and active collaboration with suppliers and colleagues.

We are committed to acting ethically and ensuring that our services and products are sourced responsibly. Gardeners Charlton embeds anti-slavery principles into procurement, contract terms and staff training so that every stage of our value chain is aligned with our anti-exploitation values.

To support compliance, we maintain robust policies and procedures designed to detect and deter slavery and human trafficking. This includes supplier requirements, employee training and a clear escalation framework for suspected incidents. Our modern slavery policy is reviewed by senior management and is available internally to all employees to ensure awareness and accountability.

Due diligence and supplier audits

We conduct risk-based due diligence across our supply chain to identify where the risk of modern slavery is greatest. Our approach includes supplier screening, contract clauses that mandate compliance, and periodic supplier self-assessments. Where risk indicators are identified, we escalate to targeted audits and verification.

Supplier audits are a core control. Audits may be conducted on-site or remotely and examine recruitment practices, working hours, wage records and subcontracting. Key elements of our supplier audit programme include:

• Risk-based prioritisation: focusing on higher-risk categories and geographies.
• Document checks: verifying employment records, payslips and identification procedures.
• Worker interviews: confidential discussions where practical to confirm working conditions.

Where non-compliance is found we require corrective action plans, monitor remediation, and where necessary take decisive measures including contract termination. We favour remediation and continuous improvement where possible, but we will enforce contractual consequences for deliberate breaches.

Reporting channels and protection for whistleblowers

Gardeners Charlton provides multiple reporting channels to raise concerns about suspected slavery or exploitation, including confidential and anonymous routes. Employees, suppliers and third parties are encouraged to report any suspicions without fear of retaliation. Our reporting channels are managed to protect confidentiality and to enable effective investigation.

Reports are treated seriously and investigated by trained personnel. We operate a secure intake process, ensure protection for whistleblowers and apply appropriate corrective actions when allegations are substantiated. All investigations are documented and outcomes are used to strengthen controls and supplier relationships.

Our anti-slavery reporting approach emphasises accessibility and trust: reports can be made internally through line managers, a dedicated compliance team, or via anonymous mechanisms. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Training, monitoring and continuous improvement

We provide regular training for procurement teams, site managers and relevant staff on recognising and responding to modern slavery risks. Training includes how to interpret red flags, how to escalate issues and what corrective measures are available. These efforts are part of our broader compliance and sustainability programme.

Monitoring includes periodic reviews of supplier performance, evaluation of audit outcomes and tracking remedial actions. We use metrics to assess the effectiveness of controls and to prioritise resources where risk remains higher. Our goal is continual improvement in our practices to eliminate modern slavery from our operations and supplier networks.

Annual review and accountability

Gardeners Charlton undertakes an annual review of this Modern Slavery Statement and associated policies to assess effectiveness, update risk assessments and refine our supplier audit programme. The review results are reported to senior leadership and used to inform resources, training and external engagement. Through these measures we reaffirm our strong stance against exploitation and our ongoing commitment to responsible business conduct.

We declare that this statement has been prepared in good faith and reflects the steps taken during the reporting period to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Charlton will continue to enhance due diligence, strengthen supplier partnerships and maintain a firm zero-tolerance position on modern slavery.