Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Stratford

Gardeners Stratford is committed to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation across our organisation and supply chain. This Statement explains our approach, which is grounded in a zero-tolerance policy and a proactive programme of due diligence, training and continuous improvement. As Stratford gardeners operating in a variety of landscaping and grounds maintenance roles, we recognise our responsibility to protect workers, promote lawful employment practices and ensure ethical sourcing.

We adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards forced labour, debt bondage, child labour and any practice that undermines human dignity. Our commitments include clear expectations for suppliers, mandatory contractual clauses prohibiting modern slavery, and robust internal controls. To implement these commitments we rely on three pillars:

• Risk-based supplier audits and verification processes
• Accessible reporting channels and confidential whistleblowing mechanisms
• Annual review, monitoring and improvements to policies and training

Our procurement teams carry out thorough supplier audits that vary in depth according to risk. For higher-risk suppliers and subcontractors we perform on-site inspections, worker interviews and documentation checks, and we may involve independent third-party auditors where required. For lower-risk suppliers we use questionnaires, self-assessments and documentary verification. As gardeners of Stratford, we require evidence of fair wages, safe working conditions and lawful recruitment practices before onboarding new suppliers and during contract renewals.

Reporting channels and whistleblower protections

We provide multiple secure channels for raising concerns, including an internal ethics line, anonymous reporting options and direct escalation to senior management. Reports are treated promptly and confidentially, with a clear investigation process and documented outcomes. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and encourage employees, contractors and third parties to come forward if they suspect exploitation. The channels are available to all members of the community we work with, reflecting our role as Stratford gardeners and our commitment to transparency.

Supplier audits follow a documented protocol: initial risk assessment, audit planning, fieldwork, reporting and remediation. Corrective action plans are agreed with suppliers and monitored until full resolution. In cases where serious breaches are identified and suppliers fail to remediate within agreed timescales, we will terminate the business relationship and consider legal remedies. We also provide capacity-building support to help suppliers meet standards, offering training resources and practical guidance to improve labour practices. These steps form part of our broader strategy for responsible procurement and ethical sourcing in the Stratford gardening sector.

Governance, annual review and ongoing commitments

Governance for modern slavery prevention is embedded at senior management level, with regular reporting to our leadership team. We conduct an annual review of our modern slavery risk assessment, policies, and the effectiveness of our remedial actions. Training programmes are refreshed each year and tailored to role-specific risks; staff, supervisors and procurement officers receive mandatory learning on recognising signs of exploitation and reporting procedures. We maintain records of audits, due diligence checks and training attendance as part of our monitoring framework.

Gardeners Stratford works collaboratively with peers, industry partners and relevant stakeholders to strengthen anti-slavery practices across the supply chain. We measure progress through key performance indicators including audit coverage, remediation rates, number of reports investigated and completion of staff training. Our approach is iterative: findings from audits and reports inform policy updates and improvements to our supplier engagement. We will publish updates and continue to refine our practices to ensure that Stratford gardeners, Gardeners of Stratford and related supply chain participants operate in a way that respects human rights and promotes fair labour standards.

By maintaining a clear zero-tolerance policy, conducting regular supplier audits, providing safe reporting channels and committing to an annual review, Gardeners Stratford aims to prevent modern slavery in all aspects of our business. We are dedicated to sustained vigilance and continual improvement so that everyone who works for and with us can expect fair, safe and lawful treatment.