Gardeners Belvedere Modern Slavery Statement

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps Gardeners Belvedere has taken, and continues to take, to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains. Gardeners Belvedere is committed to conducting business ethically, transparently and in full compliance with applicable laws relating to labour, employment and human rights.

Our Zero-Tolerance Approach to Modern Slavery

Gardeners Belvedere maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, child labour and servitude. We will not knowingly work with any organisation that engages in or condones such practices. All staff, contractors and suppliers are expected to uphold the same high standards and to act with integrity in all business dealings.

We recognise that modern slavery can occur in various forms, including coercion, restriction of movement, withholding of wages, and abuse of vulnerability. Any suspicion or evidence of such practices connected to our business will trigger prompt investigation and appropriate remedial action, which may include termination of contracts and reporting to relevant authorities.

Our Supply Chain and Supplier Standards

Our supply chain includes providers of materials, tools, equipment, transport, and ancillary services that support our gardening and landscaping activities. We work to ensure that each tier of our supply chain operates in line with our ethical expectations. Suppliers are required to comply with all applicable labour and human rights legislation and to maintain working conditions that respect individual dignity, health and safety.

Gardeners Belvedere expects suppliers to prohibit forced, bonded or involuntary labour, to ensure that employment is freely chosen, and to provide clear information about terms of employment to all workers. We also expect suppliers to prohibit the exploitation of children and to adopt recruitment practices that are fair and transparent.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

To uphold our zero-tolerance stance, we undertake proportionate due diligence on new and existing suppliers. This may include risk-based assessments, requesting information on labour practices, and reviewing relevant policies and documentation. Where a higher risk is identified, we may conduct more detailed checks or request additional assurances.

Gardeners Belvedere reserves the right to carry out audits or site visits of suppliers where appropriate. These audits may be announced or unannounced and are designed to verify compliance with our standards on modern slavery, working hours, wages, health and safety, and freedom of movement. If any non-compliance is identified, we will work with the supplier to implement corrective actions within a defined timeframe or, where necessary, end the business relationship.

Reporting Channels and Protection

We encourage all employees, contractors, suppliers and other stakeholders to raise any concerns about suspected modern slavery or unethical labour practices connected to our operations or supply chains. Concerns can be reported to line managers, senior management or designated internal contacts.

Reports will be treated seriously, handled sensitively and, where reasonably possible, confidentially. Gardeners Belvedere does not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. All allegations will be reviewed and investigated, and appropriate steps will be taken to address substantiated issues, including engagement with suppliers or escalation to external authorities where required.

Training, Awareness and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Belvedere is committed to increasing awareness of modern slavery risks among our employees and relevant contractors. We provide guidance on recognising red flags, such as signs of coercion, restricted movement, or unusual working and living conditions. Key personnel involved in procurement and supplier management receive additional support to understand and manage modern slavery risks in the supply chain.

We are committed to learning from best practice, adapting our approach where needed and continually improving the effectiveness of our controls. Feedback from employees, suppliers and other stakeholders helps us refine our processes and strengthen our safeguards.

Monitoring and Annual Review

This Modern Slavery Statement is reviewed annually by Gardeners Belvedere senior management to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with evolving legal requirements and best practice. As part of the review, we consider any incidents reported, audit findings, changes in our operations or supply chain, and any feedback received during the year.

Following each annual review, we will update this statement and, where necessary, refine our policies, procedures and training to further reduce the risk of modern slavery in our business and supply chains. Gardeners Belvedere remains firmly committed to maintaining robust standards and to playing its part in the wider effort to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms.