Gardeners Herne Hill Modern Slavery Statement

Gardeners Herne Hill is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our zero-tolerance approach to forced labour, servitude and exploitation, and describes the steps we take to identify, prevent and remedy such abuses.

We operate with a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery. All employees and contractors are required to adhere to our code of conduct and ethical standards. Our senior management team leads with a commitment to human rights and ensures that anti-slavery principles are embedded in procurement, contracting and employment practices.

Scope and approach to preventing slavery

This slavery and human trafficking statement applies to Gardeners Herne Hill and its affiliate suppliers. We conduct regular risk assessments to identify areas where the risk of modern slavery is highest, focusing on labour-intensive services and third-party suppliers. Our approach to a garden centre modern slavery policy includes targeted due diligence and ongoing monitoring.

Supplier audits and due diligence

We maintain a robust supplier assurance programme. All new suppliers must complete pre-qualification checks and agree to contractual clauses forbidding forced labour. We carry out periodic supplier audits — both remote reviews and on-site visits where appropriate — to verify compliance. Audit findings are documented and escalated to senior management for action.

Our supplier audit process includes:

• Documentation checks to confirm lawful employment contracts and wage records.
• Interviews with workers to assess working conditions and recruitment practices.
• Rectification plans when issues are identified, with timelines and verification steps.

We also use risk-based screening tools and third-party verification where necessary. Our commitment to a Gardeners Herne Hill modern slavery policy means we prioritise transparency and continual improvement throughout the supply chain.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing

We encourage anyone who suspects that modern slavery or human trafficking is occurring within our operations or supply chain to report concerns. Gardeners Herne Hill operates multiple confidential reporting channels, including an internal whistleblowing mechanism and secure escalation routes to senior compliance staff. Reports are investigated promptly, and protective measures are put in place for affected individuals.

This anti-slavery statement outlines clear protections against retaliation for whistleblowers. We provide training to staff and contractors on how to recognise indicators of exploitation and how to use reporting channels. Our aim is to create a safe environment where concerns can be raised without fear.

Governance, training and annual review

The Board of Gardeners Herne Hill has overall responsibility for our modern slavery strategy. We review our policies and performance annually to ensure they remain effective and aligned with best practice. This annual review includes measuring supplier audit outcomes, incident response effectiveness, and training completion rates. Remediation measures are developed where exploitation is identified, in cooperation with relevant authorities and NGOs when appropriate.