Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Gardeners Leamouth is committed to conducting its business with integrity, responsibility, and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and our supply chains. It applies to all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers engaged by Gardeners Leamouth.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. We do not accept any form of forced, bonded, or compulsory labour, and we do not tolerate child labour or any practices that exploit vulnerable individuals. This stance applies equally to our direct operations and to all tiers of our supply chain.

Our leadership team is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, communicated, and upheld. All managers are expected to promote a culture where ethical behaviour is the norm, and where concerns about potential modern slavery can be raised without fear of retaliation.

Supply Chain Standards and Due Diligence

Gardeners Leamouth works with a range of suppliers, contractors, and service providers. We expect all of them to share our commitment to preventing modern slavery. Our supplier standards require compliance with applicable labour, employment, and human rights laws, as well as adherence to fair working conditions and safe working environments.

As part of our due diligence, we assess the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain by reviewing the nature of products and services provided, the locations where work is carried out, and the labour practices common in those regions or sectors. Where we identify a higher risk, we increase the level of oversight and engagement with those suppliers.

Supplier Audits and Oversight

We use a risk-based approach to supplier audits. Suppliers operating in sectors or regions with a higher risk of labour exploitation may be subject to more frequent or detailed reviews. These audits may include site visits, document checks, and discussions with management or workers to assess compliance with our standards.

When non-compliance is identified, we work with suppliers to develop corrective action plans with clear timescales. If a supplier is unwilling or unable to address serious issues, including any indication of modern slavery, Gardeners Leamouth reserves the right to suspend or terminate the business relationship.

Employee Awareness and Reporting Channels

We are committed to ensuring that all employees and workers understand the risks and indicators of modern slavery. Training and guidance materials are used to raise awareness, particularly for teams involved in procurement, recruitment, and supplier management.

We encourage everyone connected with Gardeners Leamouth to report any concerns about potential modern slavery or unethical labour practices. Concerns can be raised through established internal reporting routes or directly to managers in confidence. We will investigate all reports thoroughly and sensitively, and we will not tolerate any form of victimisation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Leamouth recognises that combating modern slavery is an ongoing responsibility. We are committed to reviewing and improving our policies, procedures, and due diligence processes to respond to evolving risks and best practice standards.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement is reviewed annually by our leadership team. The review considers audit findings, risk assessments, reported concerns, and feedback from employees and suppliers. Where necessary, we update our measures to strengthen protections against modern slavery in our operations and supply chains.

This statement reflects Gardeners Leamouths position and approach for the current financial year and will be updated and reissued each year to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.