Gardeners Bow Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Bow sets out this Modern Slavery Statement to declare our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation across our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement outlines a zero-tolerance policy and practical measures we take to identify, mitigate and remediate risks. As a responsible employer and purchaser of horticultural goods and services, our slavery and human trafficking statement is central to corporate responsibility.

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy against any form of modern slavery or servitude. Every employee and contractor is expected to adhere to this Modern Slavery Policy, and managers are accountable for ensuring that no forced or bonded labour exists in any part of our operations. Our personnel policies include recruitment checks, verification of right to work, and protections for vulnerable workers to prevent exploitation.

Our approach to due diligence and supplier management is designed to detect and deter risks associated with labour exploitation. The procurement team applies a risk-based approach in assessing suppliers, growers and logistics partners. We require contractual assurances from suppliers that they comply with our anti-slavery and human trafficking commitments, and we screen new vendors for indicators of modern slavery. This anti-slavery declaration forms part of tender documentation and purchasing terms.

Supplier audits and monitoring

We conduct targeted supplier audits and periodic reviews to verify compliance. Audits combine documentary reviews, site visits and worker interviews carried out by trained auditors or independent third parties. Where risks are identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans and timelines to remediate issues and protect workers’ rights. Persistent non-compliance results in contract termination.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

Gardeners Bow provides secure and confidential reporting channels so that workers, suppliers and stakeholders can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. These channels include anonymous reporting mechanisms and designated compliance officers. Reports are investigated promptly and appropriate remedial actions are taken. We actively encourage the use of these reporting channels to surface potential issues early and to demonstrate our commitment to transparency.

Our training programme ensures staff and procurement partners recognize signs of modern slavery. Training covers identifying indicators, how to use reporting channels, and the company stance on forced labour. We also provide guidance to suppliers on ethical recruitment, fair pay, and safe working conditions to help build capacity and reduce exploitation across the supply chain.

To reinforce expectations, Gardeners Bow publishes clear contractual clauses and conducts pre-contract assessments for high-risk categories such as seasonal labour, packaging and international sourcing. We maintain records of supplier assessments and corrective actions and deploy periodic re-assessments to ensure continuous improvement. Our ethical procurement standards align with industry best practice and reflect our commitment to a slavery-free supply chain.

The company also has specific remediation pathways for workers identified as victims of exploitation. Where necessary, Gardeners Bow will support safe repatriation, provision of medical care, and collaboration with authorities and specialist NGOs. We recognise that remediation must be survivor-centred and proportionate to the harm identified.

Annual review: This modern slavery and anti-slavery statement is reviewed at least annually by senior management and the Board. The review assesses the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, reporting channels and training. Outcomes from the annual review inform improvements in risk assessment, supplier engagement and resource allocation. We are committed to continuous improvement and will update this statement to reflect new insights, regulatory changes and stakeholder expectations.