Gardeners Sudbury Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Sudbury publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement sets out a clear zero-tolerance policy and describes the steps we take to identify, mitigate and remedy risks. The document serves as the Gardeners Sudbury anti-slavery declaration and a public confirmation of our expectations of suppliers, contractors and partners.

We maintain a zero tolerance approach to slavery and human trafficking. Our zero-tolerance policy mandates immediate action where modern slavery risks are identified, including suspension of relationships, investigation and remediation measures. All employees and contractors are required to adhere to our code of conduct which explicitly prohibits exploitation, bonded labour and abusive employment practices.

This modern slavery statement outlines how Gardeners Sudbury conducts due diligence, monitors supplier performance and provides confidential reporting channels. We use a risk-based approach to prioritise activity in higher-risk geographies and sectors, and we demand transparency from our supply chain partners through contractual clauses and documented compliance requirements.

Supplier Audits and Procurement Controls

Our supplier audit programme combines desk-based assessments, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site audits where necessary. The supplier audits are designed to verify working conditions, verify right-to-work documentation, review recruitment practices and ensure wages and working hours comply with applicable laws. We expect suppliers to implement their own anti-slavery policies and to demonstrate continuous improvement.

Audit findings inform corrective action plans and follow-up reviews. We track compliance through key performance indicators and maintain a supplier risk register. The procurement team integrates anti-slavery checks into supplier onboarding and renewal processes to reduce the chance of modern slavery entering our supply chain.

Key elements of our supplier audit and assurance framework include:

• Risk-based supplier mapping and segmentation
• Periodic on-site supplier audits and remote verifications
• Mandatory contractual clauses prohibiting forced labour
• Remediation plans and monitoring for non-compliant suppliers

Reporting Channels, Training and Remediation

Gardeners Sudbury operates multiple confidential reporting channels to enable workers, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns about exploitation or breaches of this anti modern slavery policy. We ensure reports are handled sensitively and investigated promptly. All allegations are assessed and, where substantiated, we take proportionate action to protect affected individuals and prevent recurrence.

We provide mandatory training for employees involved in procurement, HR and operations so they can recognise signs of modern slavery and respond appropriately. Training includes guidance on ethical recruitment, worker welfare, and the practical steps to follow when an issue is suspected. Promotion of an open culture encourages staff to escalate concerns without fear of retaliation.

Remediation measures include support for victims, collaboration with suppliers to rectify issues, and termination of contracts when suppliers fail to implement corrective actions. Our slavery and human trafficking statement details how we seek to achieve sustainable improvements rather than temporary fixes, including capacity building for suppliers and community-level interventions.

Monitoring and continual improvement are central to our approach. We review our processes, supplier audit outcomes and remediation effectiveness throughout the year and update controls as needed. Data from audits and reports feed into senior management reviews to ensure the Board remains informed about modern slavery risks facing Gardeners Sudbury.

The annual review of this slavery and human trafficking statement ensures that our policies remain relevant, our supplier assurance programme is effective, and our training and reporting mechanisms are up to date. Changes to legislation, emerging risks and lessons learned from investigations are reflected in updates to the policy and operational guidance.

Gardeners Sudbury pledges to be transparent about our progress. We will continue to develop our anti-slavery programme, engage with suppliers, and work collaboratively with industry partners to eradicate modern slavery. This modern slavery declaration is reviewed at least once every 12 months and the outcomes of each review shape our future priorities.