Gardener Islington Modern Slavery Statement

Zero-tolerance to slavery and human trafficking is a core principle for Gardener Islington. This Modern Slavery Statement explains our approach to preventing forced labour, child labour and other forms of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. Our values require that everyone who works for or with us is treated with dignity and respect, and we publish this Anti-Slavery Statement to set out the steps we take to identify, mitigate and remediate risks.

Our scope covers direct employees, contractors and the full supply chain for goods, services and subcontracted works. The modern slavery statement for Gardener Islington applies to all departments and to the suppliers and partners with whom we engage. We recognise that risk varies by geography, sector and contract type, and we apply a proportionate risk-based approach to due diligence, contract clauses and supplier engagement.

As part of our Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement, we maintain policies and controls to identify risks early. Key measures include supplier risk screening, mandatory supplier registration checks, and contractual commitments requiring compliance with labour standards. We require suppliers to confirm they have not engaged in practices amounting to modern slavery and to permit audits and inspections on request.

Supplier audits and due diligence

Our supplier auditing program is central to enforcement. We conduct risk-based on-site and remote audits, review employment records, working hours and recruitment practices, and evaluate subcontracting chains. Where necessary we deploy third-party auditors for independent verification. Our procurement teams maintain a schedule of audits prioritised by risk profile and spend concentration.

We have established clear reporting channels for concerns about forced labour or trafficking. Employees, contractors and third parties can raise issues through internal whistleblowing routes, secure anonymous reporting platforms and escalation to senior compliance officers. All reports are taken seriously, investigated promptly and handled confidentially. We expressly forbid retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

To support these processes we implement a range of preventative actions, including:

• Mandatory training for procurement, HR and site managers on identifying and responding to modern slavery risks;
• Contractual anti-slavery clauses requiring supplier compliance and audit rights;
• Remediation pathways to assist victims and correct practices where non-compliance is found;
• Collaboration with industry initiatives and peer organisations to share intelligence and best practice.

Zero-tolerance policy and enforcement

Our zero-tolerance policy means that credible findings of modern slavery result in urgent action: corrective plans, contract suspension or termination and referral to law enforcement when appropriate. We expect suppliers to accept audit findings and to implement corrective action plans within agreed timescales. Persistent non-compliance will lead to removal from our supply base.

The Gardener Islington annual review process ensures continuous improvement. Each year we compile and analyse audit outcomes, incident reports and remediation results to update risk profiles and strengthen controls. Board-level oversight reviews the effectiveness of the modern slavery and human trafficking statement, approves resources for remediation and endorses policy enhancements.

In closing, Gardener Islington is committed to transparency and accountability in combatting modern slavery. This Anti-Slavery Statement will be reviewed at least annually, and changes communicated to stakeholders and integrated into procurement and HR practices. We call on our suppliers and partners to align with these standards, cooperate with audits and support fair, safe and lawful working conditions across all parts of our value chain.