Gardeners Belmont Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Belmont is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and respect for human rights. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of forced labour, exploitation or trafficking, and we expect the same standards from our suppliers, contractors and business partners.

We publish this anti-slavery statement to describe our policies and the steps we take to identify, prevent and address modern slavery risks. Our commitment to a slavery-free supply chain is aligned with recognised best practice for a modern slavery and human trafficking statement, and it shapes procurement, recruitment and training practices throughout our organisation.

Policy Foundations and Principles

Our zero-tolerance policy is clear: any confirmed instance of modern slavery will result in immediate action, which may include termination of contracts, remediation for affected individuals and referral to the appropriate authorities. We require adherence to our code of conduct, which prohibits all forms of forced labour and sets out minimum expectations for working hours, wages and humane treatment.

We maintain a risk-based approach to managing slavery and human trafficking risks. Through due diligence at onboarding and ongoing monitoring, we assess key risk indicators such as labour sourcing practices, geographic and sector-specific vulnerabilities and the use of subcontractors. That assessment informs targeted mitigation measures and resource allocation.

Supplier Standards and Audit Programme

Our supplier management includes contractual clauses requiring compliance with our anti-slavery requirements and the right to audit. We conduct periodic supplier audits and site visits to evaluate labour conditions, documentation and recruitment channels. Audits are performed either directly by internal teams or via independent third-party auditors where higher risk is identified.

Audit findings lead to corrective action plans, with clear timelines and follow-up. If a supplier fails to remedy serious breaches, we will suspend or terminate relationships. Our procurement teams are trained to prioritise suppliers who demonstrate strong labour standards, transparency and an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

To support compliance, we provide training for staff involved in recruitment, procurement and contract management. Training covers how to spot signs of exploitation, required documentation checks and the escalation path for concerns. We also maintain clear internal policies that support ethical recruitment, including prohibitions on charging recruitment fees to workers.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardeners Belmont operates multiple secure reporting channels to encourage prompt disclosure of suspected modern slavery. Employees and third parties may raise concerns through anonymous reporting mechanisms, line management, or designated compliance leads. We treat all reports seriously, investigate them promptly and protect whistleblowers from retaliation.

Our reporting protocols outline steps for immediate risk assessment, victim support and remediation. We maintain a documented investigation process and, where appropriate, liaise with law enforcement and non-governmental organisations to ensure fair and safe outcomes for any affected individuals.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Belmont is committed to reviewing and improving our approach. We undertake an annual review of this slavery and human trafficking statement and associated policies to reflect changes in our business, supply chain and the external risk landscape. The annual review evaluates the effectiveness of our supplier audits, training, reporting channels and remediation mechanisms.

Key performance indicators include numbers of audits completed, corrective action timelines, training completion rates and reported incidents. Findings from the annual review inform strategic updates to procurement practices and risk management, and we publish changes to ensure transparency in our anti-slavery efforts.

Commitment in practice: by integrating these measures into everyday business processes, Gardeners Belmont reinforces a corporate culture that rejects exploitation and protects the dignity of all workers. This modern slavery policy and anti-slavery statement is an ongoing pledge to act decisively and responsibly whenever risks are identified.