Gardener Barbican Modern Slavery Statement

Our commitment to an anti-slavery statement

Gardener Barbican publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to set out our clear stance: we operate a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking in all forms. This anti-slavery policy applies to every part of our organisation and to our suppliers, subcontractors and business partners. We recognise that a robust modern slavery policy is essential to protect workers and maintain ethical supply chains across our operations.

We have embedded an explicit zero-tolerance policy into our corporate values and contractual obligations. All employees and suppliers are required to adhere to standards that prohibit exploitative labour practices. Our expectations are clear: no worker should be subject to coercion, withholding of wages, debt bondage, or any other form of exploitation in Gardener Barbican's operations or supply network.

Our modern slavery and human trafficking statement outlines roles and responsibilities for senior management and front-line teams. We maintain mandatory training on labour rights and ethical sourcing; managers receive specific guidance to identify red flags that might indicate exploitation. The modern slavery policy is referred to in procurement documentation and supplier codes of conduct to ensure consistent understanding across the value chain.

Supplier audits and risk-based due diligence

We operate a risk-based supplier audit programme designed to detect and deter modern slavery risks in our supply chain. Supplier reviews combine desktop checks, self-assessment questionnaires and on-site audits where necessary. These supplier audits assess recruitment practices, working hours, wage payments and the presence of any third-party labour providers. Where audits reveal concerns, we require remedial action plans and monitor progress until compliance is verified.

As part of our anti-slavery controls, we perform periodic risk assessments focusing on geography, sector, and the nature of services supplied. High-risk suppliers receive enhanced scrutiny and follow-up, and we reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships where non-compliance is persistent. Our procurement contracts include explicit modern slavery clauses requiring suppliers to allow audits and to provide evidence of lawful employment practices.

We make use of supplier selection criteria, contractual warranties and corrective action procedures to uphold our modern slavery standards. Our procurement team works with suppliers to promote improvement through capacity building and, when necessary, stringent corrective measures up to and including contract termination for material breaches of our modern slavery expectations.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing mechanisms are essential for early detection and response. We provide secure and confidential reporting routes for employees, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns about suspected exploitation. Reports can be made anonymously and are investigated promptly by a multidisciplinary response team. Our commitment to protecting whistleblowers is a key element of our anti-slavery framework and supports open, safe reporting.

The investigation process follows a consistent protocol: acknowledgement of the report, risk assessment, immediate protective steps for any affected individuals, and a formal review of findings. Where abuse is confirmed, we take swift action that may include terminating supplier relationships, assisting affected workers, and referring matters to appropriate authorities. We document outcomes and ensure learning is applied across the organisation.

Annual review: Gardener Barbican conducts an annual review of this modern slavery policy and its practical implementation. The review evaluates the effectiveness of supplier audits, reporting channels, training, and contractual controls. Results are considered by senior leadership and used to strengthen our anti-slavery strategy, allocate resources to high-risk areas, and update our modern slavery statement and related procedures.