Gardener Spitalfields Modern Slavery Statement
Gardener Spitalfields publishes this Modern Slavery Statement to confirm our clear and enduring commitment to the elimination of forced labour, human trafficking and any form of modern slavery across our operations and supply chain. We adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward practices that could facilitate exploitation and we expect partners and suppliers to meet the same high standards. This anti-slavery statement sets out our approach to preventing modern slavery, human trafficking risks and our actions taken during the reporting year.
We recognise the risk of exploitation in the wider industry and we maintain a comprehensive modern slavery policy that is integrated into our code of conduct and procurement procedures. Our approach is pragmatic and proportional: we combine risk assessment, staff training and contractual clauses to ensure compliance with the slavery and human trafficking statement principles we endorse. All employees receive training on recognising signs of exploitation and on the requirements of our anti-slavery statement.
As part of our preventative measures we conduct targeted supplier due diligence and regular supplier audits. Key elements include:
- Supplier onboarding checks and commitments to our modern slavery compliance standards;
- Periodic on-site and remote audits to verify working conditions, documentation and fair pay;
- Contract clauses allowing us to suspend or terminate relationships when non-compliance is identified.
Supply Chain Controls and Supplier Audits
Our supplier audit programme is risk-based and proportionate. We prioritise suppliers operating in sectors or regions with higher vulnerabilities to forced labour and low visibility. Audits assess recruitment practices, wage payments, freedom of movement and the use of labour intermediaries. Where possible we use independent third-party auditors and ensure corrective action plans are timely and verifiable.
We also implement continuous supplier engagement: regular reviews, capacity building and transparent expectations documented in procurement frameworks. The anti-slavery statement requires suppliers to provide evidence of labour standards and to allow access for follow-up verification. Persistent non-conformance leads to escalation, remedial timelines and, if unresolved, contract termination.
Reporting Channels and Whistleblowing
We maintain clear and multiple reporting channels that enable employees, suppliers and third parties to report concerns safely. These include anonymous reporting mechanisms, internal HR escalation, line management routes and designated compliance reviews. Reports are treated with confidentiality, investigated promptly and with appropriate protections for whistleblowers. Our reporting policy emphasises non-retaliation and timely resolution.Governance, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Governance of our modern slavery work is embedded at senior management level. Responsibility for the slavery and human trafficking statement sits with our compliance lead and is overseen by the board. We use key performance indicators to track audit outcomes, supplier remediation progress and training completion rates. We publish findings internally and adjust risk controls when patterns of concern appear.
Annual review is central to our approach. Each year Gardener Spitalfields conducts a formal review of this modern slavery policy and the Modern Slavery Statement to measure effectiveness and to plan enhancements. Reviews consider audit results, stakeholder input, legal developments and evolving industry best practice. Outcomes drive updates to procurement contracts, training materials and audit scope to close gaps and strengthen protections.
In conclusion, Gardener Spitalfields maintains a resolute stance against modern slavery and exploitation. We operate on the principle of continuous improvement: combining a zero-tolerance policy, rigorous supplier audits, well-publicised reporting channels and an annual review cycle to reduce risk and respond swiftly to incidents. This modern slavery statement for Gardener Spitalfields will be kept under regular review and updated as necessary to reflect progress and lessons learned. We expect all colleagues, partners and suppliers to collaborate with us in preventing modern slavery and upholding human rights across our value chain.