Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Abbey Wood

Gardeners Abbey Wood recognises its responsibility to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our commitments, the steps we take, and how we will measure progress. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, exploitation or trafficking and expect the same high standards from our partners, suppliers and contractors.

Our commitment and scope

Gardeners - Abbey Wood operates with integrity and respect for human rights. This modern slavery policy applies to all employees, seasonal staff, volunteers, contractors and the wide network of suppliers who support our horticultural and maintenance activities. We are committed to continuous improvement and transparency in the prevention of slavery and human trafficking across every facet of Gardeners Abbey Wood’s business and procurement.

Zero-tolerance policy

Zero tolerance means we will not tolerate any behaviour that contributes to modern slavery. Our code of conduct requires immediate action if slavery risks are identified: investigation, remediation and, where appropriate, termination of relationships. Gardeners Abbey Wood will pursue all necessary legal and contractual remedies and will support survivors while ensuring non-retaliation for those who raise concerns in good faith.

Due diligence and supplier audits

We conduct risk-based supplier due diligence and regular audits to identify and mitigate the risk of modern slavery. Our procurement process includes pre-qualification checks, contractual clauses, and obligations for suppliers to comply with this modern slavery declaration. We prioritise suppliers based on risk factors such as geography, labour intensity and subcontracting practices.

Audits and monitoring are central to our approach. We carry out a programme of supplier assessments designed to verify working conditions and contractual compliance. Audit activities include:

• On-site inspections and worker interviews to assess conditions and wages.
• Document reviews including payroll, time records and contractual terms.
• Third-party independent audits for high-risk supply chains and follow-up corrective action plans.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

Gardeners Abbey Wood maintains clear reporting channels so that employees, contractors and supply chain workers can raise concerns confidentially. We provide multiple routes for reporting and ensure concerns are investigated promptly and impartially. Reports are handled sensitively, supporting victims and protecting whistleblowers from any form of retaliation.

Our reporting framework includes internal reporting to designated safeguarding leads, anonymised reporting options and escalation to senior management for serious allegations. We emphasise training and awareness so that all staff recognise signs of exploitation and know how to act. Reporting channels are periodically reviewed to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

Governance, responsibilities and remediation: senior leadership at Gardeners Abbey Wood owns the anti-slavery programme. We allocate resources, set measurable objectives and require line managers to enforce compliance. When non-compliance is found, we take proportionate action which may include remediation for affected individuals, contractual sanctions, and termination of supplier relationships where necessary.

Training, continuous improvement and annual review

We deliver tailored training for procurement, HR and site managers, emphasising recognition of modern slavery risks and the practical steps for prevention. Training materials incorporate case studies, escalation procedures and guidance on supplier engagement. Training is refreshed annually and adapted to emerging risks across our gardens and operations.

The effectiveness of our measures is evaluated through performance indicators, audit outcomes and the number and quality of resolved reports. We commit to an annual review of this statement and our processes: assessing progress, updating risk assessments, refining supplier audit protocols, and publishing improvements. This annual review ensures our modern slavery statement and policies remain robust and relevant.

In conclusion, Gardeners Abbey Wood is committed to eradicating slavery and human trafficking from our operations and supply chain. We will continue to strengthen our due diligence, enforce our zero-tolerance policy, maintain secure reporting channels, and conduct regular supplier audits and annual reviews to protect vulnerable workers and uphold human rights across all our activities.