Gardener Hanwell Modern Slavery Statement
Gardener Hanwell is resolute in its commitment to eradicate any form of forced labour, servitude or human trafficking from our business operations and our supply chain. This Modern Slavery Statement and anti-slavery policy describes the steps we take to prevent exploitation and to ensure that our standards are understood and implemented across every tier of our suppliers. Our approach is clear: we will not tolerate modern slavery in any form.
We have instituted a zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery and human trafficking. All employees, contractors and partners are required to comply with this anti-slavery statement and related codes of conduct. Breaches of this modern slavery policy lead to immediate and proportionate action, which may include termination of contracts, suspension of supply relationships and escalation to enforcement authorities where appropriate. We emphasise training, prevention and swift remediation.
Our procurement processes incorporate supplier due diligence and targeted supplier audits to detect and address risk. We assess suppliers based on country risk, sectoral indicators and labour practices, and maintain a documented program of checks and verifications:
- Pre-qualification screening and contractual anti-slavery clauses
- Periodic on-site or remote supplier audits
- Document review, worker interviews and corrective action tracking
Our risk assessment programme is reviewed regularly to capture emerging risks and to refine controls. We require business unit leaders to incorporate human rights considerations into purchasing decisions and contract terms. Training programmes for procurement teams, site managers and HR emphasise the recognition of modern slavery indicators, victim support and the importance of ethical recruitment practices.
Reporting channels and whistleblowing
Gardener Hanwell operates multiple, confidential reporting channels to encourage the reporting of concerns. These channels include internal compliance reporting, anonymous hotlines and secure escalation to senior management. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and ensure that all reports are logged and assessed promptly, with a clear timeline for investigation and resolution.Each report is investigated with care and diligence. Our investigators follow a structured process of intake, evidence gathering, engagement with relevant suppliers, and determination of corrective actions. When modern slavery is identified, we act decisively: remediation plans, worker support measures and legal referrals are used as appropriate to remedy harm and to prevent recurrence.
We set clear expectations for our supply chain through contractual obligations and supplier codes. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance with this anti-slavery statement, maintain transparent labour records and allow audits. Our approach is not only punitive; we support suppliers through capacity-building, worker rights education and risk remediation support to create sustainable improvement.
Supplier audits and compliance measures
Our supplier audit programme is risk-based and proportionate. Higher-risk suppliers are prioritised for more frequent audits and for deeper scrutiny of subcontractors. Findings are recorded, and corrective action plans with definite timelines are agreed. Persistent or serious violations result in escalation and may lead to termination of contracts. We track compliance metrics, remedial completion rates and audit coverage as key performance indicators.
Annual review and continuous improvement — Gardener Hanwell undertakes an annual review of this modern slavery and human trafficking policy and the effectiveness of related controls. The board and senior leadership review audit outcomes, the status of remediation actions, training completion rates and changes to supply chain risk. This annual review informs policy updates and resource allocation so that our anti-slavery statement remains current, robust and aligned with good practice.
Implementation, monitoring and transparency are central to our anti-slavery strategy. We publish progress on our actions in the relevant governance reports, set measurable targets for supplier assurance coverage and continually improve our supplier engagement practices. Collaboration with industry peers and appropriate authorities helps us enhance effectiveness in preventing and addressing modern slavery.
Gardener Hanwell's modern slavery statement is a living document. We will continue to invest in supplier audits, strengthen reporting channels, and embed human rights due diligence across operations. Our zero-tolerance policy is supported by clear procedures, trained personnel and a commitment to review these measures annually to ensure continuous improvement.
Approved by senior leadership, this anti-slavery statement reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical business conduct and to protecting vulnerable people from exploitation. We remain accountable for delivering on these commitments and will continue to report on progress as we deepen supplier oversight, strengthen remediation capacity and pursue the elimination of modern slavery throughout our operations.