Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Gipsy Hill

Gardeners Gipsy Hill is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all forms within our operations and supply chain. This modern slavery statement explains our zero-tolerance approach and the steps we take to reduce risk. We recognise our responsibility as a community-focused horticultural enterprise to promote ethical labour practices and to drive accountability across every contract and purchasing decision.

We have a clear zero-tolerance policy towards forced labour, servitude, and any practice that constitutes exploitation. Our anti-slavery policy is integral to our governance, and all staff, trustees, volunteers and partners are required to adhere to these expectations. We provide training that reinforces rights-based employment standards and the obligation to escalate any concerns immediately.

Our slavery and human trafficking statement sets out targeted measures to identify and address risk. We undertake due diligence at onboarding and throughout the lifecycle of supplier relationships. This includes checks on labour providers, verification of worker documentation where appropriate, and a commitment to refuse to do business with parties that cannot demonstrate compliance with decent work standards.

Supply Chain Transparency and Supplier Audits

Gardeners Gipsy Hill operates a risk-based supplier audit programme. We use a combination of remote assessments and on-site reviews for high-risk vendors to ensure compliance with our modern slavery policy. Audit criteria include pay practices, working hours, recruitment fees, freedom of movement and grievance mechanisms. Where issues are identified we implement corrective action plans and may suspend or terminate contracts if remedial steps are not satisfactorily completed.

Our supplier engagement emphasises continuous improvement. We require suppliers to adopt clear policies on forced labour and to provide evidence of ethical recruitment practices. We also encourage suppliers to cascade expectations down their own supply chains so that the principles of the Gardeners Gipsy Hill modern slavery declaration reach sub-contractors and temporary labour agencies.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

We maintain accessible reporting channels for anyone to raise concerns about potential modern slavery incidents. Reports can be made anonymously where necessary and are treated with confidentiality and seriousness. Our investigative process includes prompt fact-finding, support for potentially affected workers and proportionate remedial action. The following channels are promoted internally and within our supplier community:

• Internal safeguarding and HR referral routes
• Confidential reporting to an appointed compliance lead
• Escalation to governance committees for serious allegations

Where an allegation of exploitation is substantiated, Gardeners Gipsy Hill will take immediate steps to protect individuals, cooperate with authorities, and reassess contractual relationships. Our approach balances the need for decisive action with the responsibility to provide appropriate support to victims. We also prohibit retaliation against those who report concerns in good faith and commit to follow up on all allegations until they are resolved.

As part of our ongoing commitment, we will continue to refine our modern slavery statement for Gardeners Gipsy Hill to reflect emerging risks and good practice. Training is refreshed periodically and tailored to roles with greater exposure to labour-supply risks. We integrate modern slavery considerations into procurement criteria, tender processes and board-level risk reporting to ensure sustained organisational attention.

Annual Review and Accountability: this modern slavery policy is reviewed at least annually by our leadership and governance bodies. The review examines the effectiveness of supplier audits, the performance of reporting channels, the outcomes of investigations and the implementation of corrective actions. We publish updates demonstrating progress and specify planned actions for the following year. In addition, our trustees receive an annual compliance summary and assurance that our zero-tolerance policy is being actively enforced across all activities.