Gardener Shortlands Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Shortlands publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm a clear, company-wide commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. Our anti-slavery statement sets out a zero-tolerance stance and the steps we take to identify, mitigate and remedy risks. We recognise our responsibility under current regulations and are committed to continuous improvement in ethical sourcing and worker protection.

This modern slavery statement reflects the policies, due diligence and controls we maintain across procurement, contracting and on-site activities. We use the term modern-slavery policy interchangeably with our anti-exploitation standards, ensuring clarity for colleagues, suppliers and partners. The statement explains how Gardener Shortlands integrates human rights considerations into business decision-making and supplier oversight.

Our zero-tolerance policy is unequivocal: Gardener Shortlands will not tolerate forced labour, child labour, trafficking or any coercive practices. All employees, contractors and suppliers must comply with this standard as a condition of engagement. Breaches of this policy trigger disciplinary action, up to and including termination of contracts and referral to authorities where appropriate. We require adherence to labour rights principles and expect prompt remediation when issues are found.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We maintain a risk-based supplier audit programme as a core element of our slavery and human trafficking statement. Audits combine documentation review, remote assessments and on-site visits when risks are identified. Key elements include:

• Verification of employment records and wage practices;
• Assessment of recruitment fees and third-party labour providers;
• Worker interviews and grievance process checks;
• Corrective action plans with timebound milestones.

Suppliers are required to complete pre-qualification checks and commit to our anti-slavery clauses in contracts. We prioritise suppliers in higher-risk jurisdictions for enhanced scrutiny and support capacity building through training and collaboration. Where audits reveal non-compliance, we pursue remediation and, if necessary, suspension or termination of the relationship to protect workers and uphold our standards.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardener Shortlands provides multiple, accessible reporting channels to encourage the prompt reporting of suspected modern slavery. Reports can be made anonymously and will be treated seriously and confidentially. Our reporting mechanisms include an internal secure reporting platform, a designated compliance team, and secure escalation procedures. We prohibit retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports concerns regarding forced labour or exploitation.

To support transparency we maintain clear investigation protocols: reports are triaged, investigated by trained specialists and outcomes documented. Where necessary, we cooperate with law enforcement and specialist NGOs to ensure victims receive protection and remediation. We also track trends from reports to inform prevention strategies.

Training and awareness are embedded across Gardener Shortlands. All staff involved in procurement, operations or supplier management receive mandatory training on modern slavery risks and our procedures. We supply targeted guidance to suppliers and include anti-slavery expectations in onboarding materials to raise awareness and strengthen compliance throughout the value chain.

We publicly commit to an annual review of our modern slavery activities. The annual review assesses effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, reporting channels and remedial actions. Findings drive updates to risk assessments, improved controls and renewed training programs. Results of the review are used to refine our approach and strengthen prevention measures year on year.

Gardener Shortlands is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration with industry peers, civil society and suppliers to combat modern slavery. This statement, and the actions it describes, represent our ongoing efforts to protect human rights, uphold ethical standards and ensure our business and supply chains are free from forced labour and exploitation.