Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Gardeners Barnes Cray is committed to conducting all aspects of its business in an ethical, responsible, and transparent way. This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement sets out the steps we take to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation within our operations and supply chains. We recognise that modern slavery is a serious crime and a violation of fundamental human rights, and we are dedicated to identifying, preventing, and addressing any associated risks.

Our Commitment and Zero Tolerance Policy

We operate a clear zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery and human trafficking. This applies to all aspects of our business, including our direct operations, our workforce, and every tier of our supply chain. We expect the same high standards from all our suppliers, contractors, and business partners. Any evidence of modern slavery or related exploitation is treated as a serious breach of our values and will result in immediate action, which may include suspension or termination of relationships and reporting to relevant authorities.

Our leadership team is responsible for ensuring that this commitment is embedded into our culture, decision making, and day to day practices. Managers at all levels are expected to demonstrate and promote ethical behaviour, and all staff are required to act in accordance with this statement and associated internal policies.

Supply Chain Standards and Due Diligence

Gardeners Barnes Cray works with a range of suppliers for goods, services, equipment, and subcontracted labour. We are committed to working only with organisations that share our stance against modern slavery. As part of our due diligence processes, we assess new and existing suppliers for compliance with our ethical standards.

Suppliers are expected to confirm that they do not engage in, or benefit from, forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, or any form of servitude. We require them to demonstrate that they provide fair working conditions, including lawful wages, reasonable working hours, safe environments, and respect for workers rights to freedom of movement and association.

Supplier Audits and Monitoring

To ensure that our expectations are met in practice, we carry out proportionate supplier audits and ongoing monitoring. These may include requesting documentation relating to workforce practices, conducting site visits where appropriate, and reviewing suppliers own policies and statements on modern slavery and human rights.

Where we identify areas of concern or potential risk, we work collaboratively with suppliers to agree corrective action plans and realistic timeframes for improvement. If a supplier fails to make adequate progress or refuses to address identified issues, we will review our relationship and may choose to discontinue working with them.

Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing

We encourage all employees, workers, contractors, and suppliers to report any concerns relating to modern slavery, human trafficking, or unethical labour practices. Individuals may raise concerns through established internal reporting channels, including direct reporting to managers or senior leadership, or by using any designated confidential whistleblowing mechanisms made available by the business.

All reports are treated seriously and handled sensitively. Where appropriate, concerns will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, and suitable remedial action will be taken. We do not tolerate victimisation or retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith, and we are committed to protecting the confidentiality and safety of whistleblowers as far as practicable.

Training, Awareness, and Responsibilities

We recognise that awareness and understanding are essential in preventing modern slavery. Gardeners Barnes Cray provides information and guidance to relevant staff so that they can recognise potential indicators of exploitation in day to day operations and within supply chains. Managers with responsibility for procurement or supplier relationships receive additional guidance on risk assessment and escalation procedures.

Responsibility for overseeing this statement and our approach to modern slavery rests with senior management, who review our arrangements and ensure that concerns and incidents are escalated appropriately.

Continuous Improvement and Annual Review

Gardeners Barnes Cray is committed to continuous improvement in its efforts to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. We regularly review our policies, due diligence processes, and supplier management practices to strengthen our approach and respond to emerging risks or changes in legislation and best practice.

This Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect our ongoing work and any significant developments. The updated statement will be approved at a senior level and communicated internally and externally to demonstrate our continuing commitment to ethical and responsible business conduct.

By maintaining rigorous standards, transparent processes, and a culture of integrity, Gardeners Barnes Cray aims to ensure that modern slavery has no place in our operations or the wider value chain in which we participate.