Gardeners Clapham Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Clapham is committed to preventing modern slavery, forced labour and all forms of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery statement explains our approach to identifying risks, protecting workers and responding to incidents of slavery and human trafficking. We recognise our responsibility to maintain high standards of ethical conduct and to be transparent about the steps we take to combat modern slavery risks.

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and human trafficking. All employees, contractors and suppliers must comply with our standards, which prohibit forced labour, debt bondage, withholding of identity documents or unlawful deductions from pay. Our recruitment, payroll and contractor management processes are designed to minimise the risk of exploitation and to ensure employees have freedom of movement and fair conditions.

Purpose, Scope and Principles

This statement covers Gardeners Clapham's direct operations, contracted landscapers and supply chains for plants, materials and equipment. Our guiding principles are prevention, transparency and remedy: we seek to prevent modern slavery, to be transparent about our efforts and to provide access to remedy where harm is identified. We expect all supply partners to commit to these principles and to adhere to our supplier code of conduct.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

We carry out risk-based due diligence on suppliers and subcontractors to identify areas of higher slavery and trafficking risk. New suppliers are screened before onboarding and high-risk suppliers receive enhanced scrutiny. Our commercial terms include anti-slavery clauses and expectations about labour standards.

We undertake supplier audits that combine documentary review, contractual checks and on-site verification where appropriate. Audit activity focuses on worker rights, legal compliance and indicators of coercive practices. Findings are recorded and used to inform ongoing risk assessment and corrective actions.

• Verification of identity, recruitment processes and right-to-work documentation;
• Review of payroll, wage payments and working time records to detect unlawful deductions or excessive hours;
• Worker interviews and observation of workplace conditions to confirm freedom of movement and absence of coercion.

Where non-compliance is identified we require timely corrective action plans. We monitor remediation and, if suppliers fail to address issues, we will suspend or terminate relationships to protect workers and uphold our zero-tolerance stance. These measures help drive improvements in the supply chain and reduce the risk of forced labour.

Reporting Channels and Worker Protection

Gardeners Clapham provides multiple reporting channels so employees, subcontracted workers and third parties can raise concerns about modern slavery and exploitation. Reports are treated confidentially and investigated impartially. We encourage early reporting and protect whistleblowers from any form of retaliation.

Our reporting framework includes an internal compliance lead, confidential reporting options and escalation procedures for urgent cases. Training ensures staff recognise signs of exploitation and know how to report. In situations where immediate harm is suspected we prioritise victim safety, coordination with relevant authorities and access to support services, and ensure that all actions are proportionate and respectful of individuals' rights. All allegations of slavery and human trafficking are handled promptly, sensitively and in confidence.

Annual Review, Governance and Continuous Improvement

We review this modern slavery policy and our practices at least annually. The annual review considers audit outcomes, supplier performance, training records and any reported incidents to assess effectiveness. Governance oversight is provided by senior management who are responsible for resourcing anti-slavery initiatives and for ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

Gardeners Clapham is committed to continuous improvement: we will enhance supplier audits, expand targeted training for frontline staff and refine contractual protections over time. Through regular monitoring, risk-based supplier engagement and transparent reporting within our organisation, we aim to reduce modern slavery risks and promote decent working conditions throughout our operations and supply chain.