Gardening Barnes Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Barnes publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm our commitment to preventing forced labour, human trafficking and any form of exploitation across our operations and supply chains. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy for modern slavery and treat the prevention of exploitation as a core part of our business ethics. This statement outlines our approach, the controls we apply, and the steps we will continue to take as a responsible employer and purchaser of goods and services.

Scope and Principles

Our policy on modern slavery covers all employees, contractors and suppliers. We require that everyone associated with Gardening Barnes understands our anti-slavery values and acts in accordance with them. The anti-slavery statement is embedded into our procurement terms and staff handbook, making expectations clear to all stakeholders.

We enforce supplier standards through contractual obligations and regular monitoring. Key elements of our approach include:

• Due diligence: assessing risk areas in supply chains;
• Supplier audits: scheduled and unannounced checks;
• Training: awareness for purchasing teams and managers.

Our zero-tolerance policy means any credible report of forced labour or human trafficking triggers immediate investigation. Where violations are found, we will pursue remediation, terminate relationships where appropriate, and cooperate with authorities. We will also consider supporting access to remedy for affected individuals in accordance with international standards.

Supplier Audits and Due Diligence

We operate a risk-based audit programme that targets suppliers in higher-risk sectors and geographies. Audits are conducted by trained internal teams and, when necessary, by independent third parties. The audit process checks worker contracts, working hours, wage records, recruitment practices and living conditions. Findings are logged and followed up with corrective action plans where needed.

To strengthen our supply chain oversight we require suppliers to complete self-assessment questionnaires and to allow on-site inspections. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate supplier agreements if audits reveal non-compliance and the supplier fails to implement timely and effective remediation measures.

We provide multiple reporting channels so that concerns about modern slavery risks can be raised confidentially and without fear of retaliation. These reporting channels include secure internal escalation routes and anonymous reporting mechanisms for workers and third parties. All reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly in line with our policies.

Reporting channels include a dedicated internal team responsible for intake, assessment and investigation of allegations. We ensure reports are handled sensitively, protecting whistleblowers and affected workers. Records of investigations and outcomes are maintained to inform future risk management.

Annual review: Gardening Barnes will review this modern slavery and human trafficking statement at least once every 12 months. The review assesses the effectiveness of our policies, supplier audits, training programmes and reporting mechanisms, and it identifies improvements. Results of the annual review guide updates to our risk assessment, procurement processes and remedial actions.