Gardener Ruislip Modern Slavery Statement

Purpose and Commitment

Gardener Ruislip confirms its commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our business and supply chain. This modern slavery statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach and the measures we take to identify and mitigate risks of forced labour, servitude and exploitation. We recognise that an anti-slavery statement is more than words; it requires sustained action, clear governance and regular vigilance.

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards slavery and human trafficking. All personnel, contractors and suppliers are expected to comply with our standards. Our leadership team has responsibility for ensuring that the Modern Slavery Policy is integrated into day-to-day operations and that any concerns are acted upon swiftly and appropriately.

Scope and Definitions

This slavery and human trafficking statement covers Gardener Ruislip and its direct operations, including seasonal and contract labour where we are the principal employer. We define modern slavery broadly to include forced labour, debt bondage, involuntary prison labour, and deceptive recruitment practices that lead to exploitation. The anti-slavery policy applies to recruitment, employment terms, subcontracting and third-party procurement.

Our approach to due diligence includes a layered risk assessment of our supply chains, focusing on sectors, geographies and labour types most vulnerable to exploitation. We have adopted a proportional set of checks and balances that range from supplier declarations to on-site inspections. Where higher risk is identified, we deploy targeted supplier audits and corrective action plans to remediate non-compliance.

Supplier audits form a core part of our mitigation strategy. We conduct periodic and surprise audits, and use both documentary review and worker interviews. Audit findings feed into a risk register that influences procurement decisions, contract renewals and where necessary, termination of relationships. Our procurement terms require adherence to the modern slavery policy and the right to audit compliance at any stage.

Key elements of our supplier assurance programme include:

• Pre-contract risk screening and due diligence checks
• Regular supplier self-assessments and mandatory declarations
• Independent and internal audits with documented corrective action
• Training and capacity-building for suppliers and internal teams

Reporting channels are established to ensure concerns about forced labour can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation. Employees and workers in our supply chain are encouraged to report any suspected abuse via internal reporting lines or through confidential whistleblowing arrangements. We also accept reports from external parties who witness or suspect exploitation.

All reports are investigated promptly and impartially by our compliance team. We guarantee confidential handling and, where appropriate, refer matters to relevant authorities. Our procedures emphasise protection for vulnerable workers and provide for remediation, including provision of support to affected individuals when abuse is identified.

Accountability is reinforced by clear governance: the board receives regular updates on modern slavery risks and remediation activity, while senior managers are accountable for implementation within their areas. Training for staff involved in procurement, recruitment and site supervision is mandatory and designed to raise awareness of the anti-slavery policy, indicators of abuse and reporting obligations.

We review and update this anti-slavery and human trafficking statement at least once a year. Annual review includes evaluating the effectiveness of supplier audits, the adequacy of reporting channels, and progress against remediation plans. Where gaps are identified, we commit to immediate corrective measures and enhanced monitoring.

Our continual improvement cycle is driven by lessons learned from audits, incident investigations and stakeholder engagement. We monitor changes in law and best practice relating to modern slavery and incorporate those developments into our policies and contracts to strengthen protections for workers across our operations and suppliers.

In summary, Gardener Ruislip maintains a robust modern slavery policy with a zero-tolerance stance, active supplier audits, clear reporting channels and a formal annual review process to ensure the statement remains effective and responsive to emerging risks.