Gardeners Highgate Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Highgate sets out this Modern Slavery Statement to declare our commitment to preventing exploitation in all areas of our operations. We recognise the importance of a robust anti-slavery approach and present this anti-slavery statement to describe our policies, expectations and actions. This document applies across our teams and contractors and reflects our values of fairness, dignity and respect for every person who works for, or with, Gardeners Highgate. We are clear that a zero-tolerance policy governs any form of forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking or other modern slavery practice in our supply chains and service delivery.

Zero-Tolerance Policy and Commitments

Our zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking is uncompromising. Gardeners Highgate operates a strict modern slavery policy that requires all staff, suppliers and partners to adhere to ethical employment practices. We expect transparent recruitment, fair pay, lawful working hours and the right to leave employment freely. Breaches of the slavery and human trafficking statement will result in immediate investigation and proportionate action, including termination of contracts where necessary. Our leadership team takes direct responsibility for enforcing this policy and ensuring resources are available for implementation.

Supplier Audits and Due DiligenceWe operate a risk-based supplier audit programme as a central feature of our modern slavery checks. Key elements include:

• Risk assessment of suppliers and subcontractors to identify higher risk sectors and geographies.
• Regular on-site and remote audits to verify employment practices, documentation and worker welfare.
• Corrective action plans with timelines for remediation and follow-up audits where non-compliance is found.
• Use of contractual clauses requiring compliance with our slavery statement and immediate reporting of breaches.

This supplier assurance work supports our wider due diligence processes and helps embed the anti-slavery statement into procurement decisions.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Highgate provides multiple secure channels for reporting concerns about modern slavery, labour exploitation or unethical conduct. Employees, contractors and third parties may raise issues through internal managers, nominated compliance officers, or an anonymous reporting mechanism. We encourage early reporting and guarantee that all reports will be treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled with confidentiality. Retaliation against reporters is strictly prohibited under our policies. We also outline procedures for external escalation if internal remedies are insufficient and for cooperating with law enforcement where appropriate.

Training, Communication and Supplier EngagementWe invest in regular training for staff and management to ensure awareness of slavery and human trafficking risks and how to respond to suspected incidents. Our procurement teams are trained to recognise red flags and to engage suppliers constructively on improvement. Communication of the modern slavery policy is incorporated into onboarding materials and supplier contracts, and we provide guidance documents to help smaller suppliers meet our standards. We maintain a clear escalation pathway for suppliers who require support to remediate issues.

Annual Review, Monitoring and Continuous ImprovementGardeners Highgate undertakes an annual review of this slavery and human trafficking statement and our associated policies. The annual review evaluates audit outcomes, incident reports, remediation effectiveness and the impact of training initiatives. Findings are reported to senior management and used to refine risk assessments, strengthen supplier audits, and improve reporting channels. We are committed to continuous improvement: where gaps are identified we implement corrective measures and update our modern slavery policy accordingly. This annual cycle ensures our anti-slavery statement remains effective and aligned with evolving best practice.