Gardener Mortlake Modern Slavery Statement
Gardener Mortlake publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm our commitment to preventing exploitation across our operations and supply chains. This anti-slavery statement outlines the policies, due diligence and practical steps we take to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking have no place in our business. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labour, involuntary servitude and any form of exploitation, and we require the same standard from partners and suppliers. Our modern slavery and human trafficking statement reflects our ongoing pledge to ethical conduct and continuous improvement.
We recognise the importance of transparency: this modern slavery statement for Gardener Mortlake explains responsibilities at all levels of the organisation and describes how we assess and manage risk. Senior leadership endorses this anti-slavery policy and ensures it is integrated into procurement, human resources and corporate governance practices. We emphasise training, internal awareness-raising and inclusion of slavery and trafficking considerations in contractual terms with third parties.
Our Modern Slavery policy sets out expectations for suppliers and contractors and defines the consequences of non-compliance. We include specific contractual clauses requiring suppliers to comply with applicable labour and human rights laws, to provide safe working conditions, fair pay and the right to leave employment freely. Breaches of these clauses may lead to contract termination and other remedial actions. This anti-slavery statement also outlines the escalation pathways when concerns are detected.
Supplier Audits, Risk Assessment and Procurement
We conduct regular supplier audits and risk assessments to identify areas where slavery and trafficking risks may be elevated. Our approach combines desktop reviews, self-assessment questionnaires, and where necessary, on-site assessments conducted by trained auditors. We prioritise higher-risk geographies, subcontracting chains and labour-intensive categories. Findings are documented, and corrective action plans are required for non-compliant suppliers.
Audit activity is complemented by a programme of supplier capacity-building: we provide guidance, share best practices and assist partners to implement compliant labour policies. Suppliers who demonstrate persistent non-compliance may be suspended or removed from our approved supplier list. Our procurement teams use a risk-based approach to monitoring, ensuring resources focus on the most significant potential harms.
Key audit and supplier governance features include:
- Regular supplier screening against risk indicators
- Planned and unannounced audits to verify workplace practices
- Mandatory remediation plans and follow-up verification
- Training for procurement staff on identifying modern slavery risks
Reporting Channels, Whistleblowing and Annual Review
Gardener Mortlake maintains confidential reporting channels to enable employees, suppliers and third parties to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Reports can be made anonymously through internal hotlines and designated compliance contact points. We investigate all credible allegations promptly and take proportionate action where necessary. Our whistleblowing protections form an essential part of our anti-slavery measures.
We maintain clear roles and responsibilities for investigating and remediating incidents, ensuring that victims of exploitation receive appropriate support. Records of investigations, outcomes and remedial steps are retained to inform continuous improvement. Our reporting channels are supported by training programmes that help staff recognise signs of exploitation and respond effectively.
This anti-slavery statement is reviewed at least annually by our leadership and governance committees, and updated in response to changes in legislation, operational shifts or audit findings. The annual review process includes evaluating the effectiveness of supplier audits, training uptake, incident response times and remediation success. We publish updates to ensure ongoing transparency and to drive improvement in our modern slavery and human trafficking statement practices. Gardener Mortlake remains committed to a culture of vigilance, ethical procurement and respectful labour standards throughout our operations and supply chains.