Gardeners Dulwich: Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Dulwich is committed to preventing all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement outlines our approach, expectations and the steps we take to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act and our own modern slavery policy. We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, child labour and any exploitative practices, and we require the same high standards from our suppliers and partners.

Scope and Principles

Our slavery and human trafficking statement applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers across every part of our business. We set out clear principles: respect for human rights, due diligence on labour practices and a proactive stance against exploitation. We will not tolerate modern slavery in any form, and any breach of our anti-slavery statement will result in prompt action, up to and including contract termination and referral to the relevant authorities. We reinforce these expectations in our procurement and contractual documents.

Supply Chain Risk and Controls

We assess risk across our supply chain with particular focus on high-risk categories such as seasonal labour, horticultural subcontracting and transportation. Our supplier due diligence includes:

• mandatory pre-qualification checks,
• regular compliance questionnaires,
• and periodic on-site checks where risk is elevated.

Where risks are identified we apply proportionate mitigation, escalation and monitoring measures to protect workers and the integrity of our operations.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring Gardeners Dulwich operates a risk-based supplier audit programme. Audits combine self-assessments, documentary reviews and independent third-party inspections when necessary. Audit findings are recorded, actions tracked and timelines assigned for remediation. Persistent or serious non-compliance results in corrective action plans, restricted purchasing and, where improvements are not delivered, contract termination. We use audit outcomes to inform training priorities and to continuously improve our supplier engagement.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing We provide secure and confidential reporting channels for employees, contractors and suppliers to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or related abuses. Reports can be submitted anonymously through internal reporting mechanisms and are handled promptly, impartially and in confidence. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and ensure allegations are investigated thoroughly. All concerns are documented and, where appropriate, referred to external enforcement agencies.

To reinforce our commitments, we deliver regular training and awareness sessions for staff and procurement teams so they can identify indicators of exploitation and respond effectively. Contract terms require suppliers to comply with our human trafficking policy, to permit audits and to remediate issues rapidly. We also integrate anti-slavery clauses into new supplier agreements and require evidence of their labour standards.

Governance, Measurement and Continuous Improvement

Governance of this modern slavery policy rests with senior management and the board. We monitor key performance indicators such as number of supplier audits completed, incidents reported, and corrective actions closed. Performance is reviewed quarterly and findings inform our risk assessments and resource allocation. We publish responsibilities internally to ensure clear accountability for preventing modern slavery across Gardeners Dulwich.

Annual Review and Public Assurance

This statement is reviewed at least annually to reflect changes in our business, supply chain, and the legal landscape. The annual review considers audit results, reported incidents, remediation outcomes, training uptake and evolving risks. The review leads to updates in policy, enhancements to audit protocols and targeted supplier engagement. Senior leadership approves changes and ensures continuous improvement in our anti-slavery approach.

Conclusion and Ongoing Commitment Gardeners Dulwich reaffirms a zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery and is committed to robust supplier audits, clear reporting channels and regular, documented annual review. We will continue to strengthen due diligence, collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders, and take decisive action where abuses are identified. This slavery and human trafficking statement represents our ongoing pledge to uphold human rights and ethical practices throughout our organisation and supply chain.