Gardeners Mill Hill Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Mill Hill sets out this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm our firm commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. We operate a zero-tolerance policy to forced labour, exploitation and trafficking. This statement explains our policies, due diligence processes and the actions we take to embed anti-slavery safeguards into everyday business practice.

Our approach applies to everyone who works for or on behalf of Gardeners Mill Hill, including permanent and temporary staff, contractors and suppliers. We recognise this slavery and human trafficking statement must be clear, actionable and visible. We require all stakeholders to adhere to our anti-slavery expectations and we publish our commitments internally to ensure consistent awareness and enforcement across the business.

Policy Framework and Commitments

Our anti-slavery policy is built on transparent principles and practical measures. Key elements include:

• Zero-tolerance policy: Any breach, including evidence of forced labour or exploitation, will result in immediate investigation and remedial action.
• Supplier audits: Regular due diligence of suppliers and contractors to identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery.
• Reporting channels: Secure, confidential routes for raising concerns and whistleblowing without fear of retaliation.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Gardeners Mill Hill conducts thorough supplier assessments before onboarding and periodically thereafter. Our supplier audits evaluate recruitment practices, working conditions and documentation to reduce the risk of forced labour or human trafficking. Audit outcomes inform corrective action plans and, if necessary, contract termination.

We prioritise suppliers in high-risk sectors and regions for more frequent scrutiny. Audits are a mix of desktop reviews, self-assessments and on-site inspections where appropriate. Findings are recorded and escalated to senior management for tracking and remediation.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Mill Hill provides multiple confidential reporting channels so employees, suppliers and the public can raise concerns about modern slavery. Reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled with sensitivity.

• Anonymous reporting mechanisms to protect whistleblowers.
• Internal escalation to a nominated compliance lead for investigation.
• Protection measures for individuals who report in good faith.

Training, Responsibility and Monitoring

We deploy regular training for purchasing, HR and operational teams to spot indicators of exploitation and to use reporting channels effectively. Responsibility for implementing and monitoring this modern slavery policy rests with senior management, supported by appointed compliance officers who oversee supplier audits and internal reviews.

Our procurement teams incorporate anti-slavery clauses into supplier contracts and require evidence of lawful recruitment practices. We use risk-based monitoring, following up on audit findings with supplier action plans and targeted re-audits. Failure to comply with our standards leads to contract review and possible suspension of supply relationships.

Annual Review and Continuous Improvement Gardeners Mill Hill undertakes an annual review of this slavery and human trafficking statement and associated policies. The review measures progress against key performance indicators, evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits and reporting channels, and identifies opportunities for improvement.

Each year, senior leadership signs off on the assessment results and any proposed enhancements. We remain committed to strengthening our safeguards, expanding training and improving transparency across the supply chain. This modern slavery statement represents a living commitment: we will continue to adapt our controls, insist on ethical practices from our suppliers and enforce our zero-tolerance policy to ensure that Gardeners Mill Hill remains vigilant against all forms of modern slavery.