Gardener Southgate Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Southgate is committed to preventing all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out our ongoing approach to identifying, assessing and addressing risks of slavery and exploitation. We operate a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, servitude and any practice that infringes personal liberty.

The scope of this anti-slavery policy covers our direct employees, contractors and suppliers. We assess how our procurement, logistics and service delivery could be exposed to risks of exploitation. Our commitment to a modern slavery statement and anti-slavery processes is built on transparency, accountability and continuous improvement across all jurisdictions in which Gardener Southgate operates.

Policy Framework and Zero-Tolerance Stance

Our anti-slavery policy is communicated to staff and suppliers and is reinforced by mandatory training and governance. We maintain a clear zero-tolerance position: any instance of coercion, debt bondage, or human trafficking is unacceptable and triggers immediate investigation and remedial action. The board reviews reports and ensures resources are allocated to uphold these standards.

Supplier due diligence and audits are central to how we manage risk. We screen suppliers before onboarding and conduct periodic assessments for high-risk partners. Audits include documentation checks, interviews with management, and site visits where necessary. Where risks are identified, we require corrective action plans and reserve the right to suspend business relationships if improvements are not achieved.

We apply a tiered approach to supplier audits:

• Initial risk assessment and onboarding checks;
• Periodic compliance audits and targeted site reviews;
• Escalation protocols for persistent or severe non-compliance.

Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing

Gardener Southgate provides multiple confidential reporting channels so workers, contractors and suppliers can raise concerns about slavery and human trafficking without fear of retaliation. Reports may be made through designated internal hotlines or via authorised third-party mechanisms. All reports are treated seriously, investigated promptly and handled in confidence. We promote a speak-up culture backed by protections for whistleblowers.

Remediation and corrective action are applied where incidents are verified. We work to restore victims and remedy harm in line with best practice, including cooperation with relevant authorities and access to support services. Disciplinary measures for employees and contractual remedies for suppliers reflect the severity of breaches under our anti-slavery guidelines.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement form part of our annual cycle. We publish a yearly review of our modern slavery statement outcomes, including audit results, training completion rates and risk mitigation activity. The executive team and board conduct an annual review to evaluate effectiveness and update policies to respond to emerging risks.

Training is mandatory for staff involved in procurement, HR and operations, and we extend awareness sessions to key suppliers. We use key performance indicators to track progress, measure supplier compliance and ensure corrective actions are completed. Our modern slavery compliance program is evidence-based and evolves as new information and regulatory expectations emerge.

Gardener Southgate emphasizes partnership and capacity building with suppliers to promote ethical labour practices. We encourage contractual clauses that require compliance with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws, periodic self-assessments, and cooperation with independent audits. Where feasible, we support supplier improvement plans rather than immediate termination to achieve lasting change.

In conclusion, Gardener Southgate’s commitment to combatting modern slavery, forced labour and exploitation is enduring. We will continue to strengthen our policies, expand supplier audits, maintain robust reporting channels and conduct an annual review to ensure our practices remain effective and proportionate to the risks we face. This statement reflects our strong stance and ongoing responsibility to protect vulnerable workers across our supply chain.