Gardener Hayes Modern Slavery Statement

Gardener Hayes publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to affirm a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of forced labour, human trafficking and exploitation. This antislavery statement explains how our Modern Slavery Policy is embedded across operations, procurement and supplier management. We commit to preventing slavery in our business and supply chain and to continuously improving due diligence and remediation.

Scope and commitment

The modern-slavery statement applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardener Hayes. We require adherence to legal and ethical standards and expect the same from our supply partners. Our policy prohibits harsh or inhumane treatment and any form of compulsory work; breach of this anti-slavery statement will result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts.

Our approach is founded on four pillars: risk assessment, supplier audits, clear reporting channels and an annual review process. We will not tolerate exploitative practices and will take decisive steps to address identified risks. This slavery and human trafficking statement summarises actions taken over the reporting period and outlines planned improvements.

Zero-tolerance policy

Gardener Hayes operates a strict zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery. All staff receive mandatory training on human rights, and recruitment processes include checks to prevent deceptive hiring practices. We have embedded clauses into supplier contracts that require compliance with our Modern Slavery Policy and reserve the right to suspend or terminate relationships if violations are discovered.

Supplier audits and due diligence

We carry out comprehensive supplier audits and risk-based assessments. Audits include documentation reviews, interviews and site visits where appropriate. Key audit elements include:

• Verification of worker identity and contracts
• Working hours, wages and benefits
• Health and safety and freedom of movement

Findings drive corrective action plans with timelines and monitoring until issues are resolved.

We prioritise suppliers in high-risk sectors and geographies for more frequent audits and require third-party verifications for subcontracting tiers where feasible. Our procurement team integrates anti-slavery requirements into tender evaluations and supplier onboarding documents.

Reporting channels and remediation

Gardener Hayes maintains multiple confidential reporting channels to encourage disclosure of concerns. Whistleblowers can raise issues through anonymous reporting systems, internal HR pathways and designated compliance officers. We ensure reports are investigated promptly and fairly, with support and protection for bona fide reporters.

Remediation follows a victim-centred approach: where exploitation is identified we prioritise immediate safety, medical care and legal referral, working with external specialists when required. Corrective actions for suppliers range from targeted remediation plans to contract termination for persistent or severe breaches. Our strong stance on remediation underpins the integrity of our anti-modern slavery statement.

Annual review and continuous improvement

We undertake an annual review of our anti-slavery programme to measure effectiveness and set improvement objectives. Reviews evaluate audit outcomes, training uptake, incident trends and supplier performance. Results are used to refine policy, enhance supplier engagement and allocate resources to high-risk areas. Continuous improvement is central to our slavery prevention strategy.

In summary, Gardener Hayes is committed to transparent and proactive management of modern slavery risks. Our anti-slavery statement is supported by enforceable contracts, regular supplier audits, accessible reporting channels and a formal annual review cycle. We continually seek to strengthen governance, raise awareness among staff and partners, and take decisive action where violations occur.

By embedding these measures into procurement, operations and corporate governance, Gardener Hayes aims to eliminate forced labour from its supply chains and contribute to broader efforts to prevent human trafficking and exploitation. This slavery and human trafficking statement will be reviewed and updated annually to reflect evolving risks and best practice.

Gardener Hayes remains resolute in its duty to protect human rights and to act with integrity across all aspects of its business.