Gardener Beckenham Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Beckenham publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation in our operations and supply chains. This modern-slavery statement outlines our approach, expectations and measures designed to identify and mitigate slavery risks across our business activities in the UK and in any international procurement. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy that applies to all employees, contractors and third-party partners.

Scope and Purpose of this anti-slavery statement

This anti-slavery statement (also referenced as a Slavery and human trafficking statement) sets out the policies, due diligence and reporting channels we maintain. It covers recruitment, supplier engagement, procurement practices, and the responsibilities of senior management. Our policies require transparent labour practices and fair treatment, and they prohibit any form of servitude, forced labour or exploitation.

Policies, Responsibilities and Zero-Tolerance

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery. All employees receive training on recognising signs of exploitation and are required to adhere to our code of conduct. Senior leaders are accountable for enforcing the Modern Slavery Policy across divisions. We include contractual clauses obliging suppliers to comply with our anti-slavery standards and we retain the right to terminate contracts where violations are identified.

Supplier Due Diligence and Supplier Audits

We conduct proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers. Key elements include:

• Supplier risk assessments based on geography, sector and service type;
• On-site and remote supplier audits to verify working conditions and record-keeping;
• Contract clauses requiring remediation plans and corrective actions where concerns arise;
• Termination protocols for persistent non-compliance identified during audits.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardener Beckenham maintains multiple confidential reporting channels so employees, suppliers and third parties can raise concerns about suspected modern slavery. Reports may be made anonymously through our ethical reporting line or escalated to our compliance team. We treat all reports seriously, protect whistleblowers from retaliation and investigate promptly. Investigations follow a clear process and may result in disciplinary action, contract termination or referral to law enforcement when required.

Our approach to remediation focuses on protecting victims, ensuring safe working conditions and seeking appropriate reparations where exploitation is discovered. We collaborate with external agencies and NGOs where necessary to secure support and recovery for affected individuals.

Continuous Improvement, Training and Communication

We provide ongoing training for procurement, HR and site management teams to strengthen awareness of forced labour indicators and to ensure consistent application of our modern slavery controls. Communication of expectations extends to suppliers through supplier handbooks, contract terms and periodic workshops. We use performance metrics from supplier audits to drive improvements and to prioritise high-risk areas for action.

Annual Review and Statement Approval

Gardener Beckenham conducts an annual review of this slavery and human trafficking statement, including a review of policies, audit outcomes, training effectiveness and incident reports. The results of the review inform updates to our Modern Slavery Policy, procurement requirements and audit frequency. The Board and senior leadership formally approve the statement and its revisions each year to ensure sustained executive oversight.

In summary, this modern slavery statement reflects Gardener Beckenham’s commitment to ethical sourcing, rigorous supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and an ongoing annual review cycle. We strive to prevent exploitation in all forms and to act decisively wherever modern slavery risks are identified.