Modern Slavery Statement — Gardeners Covent Garden

Gardeners Covent Garden is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all its forms across our services and supply networks. This statement sets out our approach, expectations and the steps we take to ensure that Gardeners in Covent Garden and our partners operate ethically and lawfully. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of forced labour, exploitation or unfair treatment of workers.

Scope and Commitment

Our commitment applies to every aspect of our operations, from direct employees to subcontractors and suppliers. We require all staff, contractors and third parties working with Covent Garden gardeners to adhere to our policy. This includes recruitment practices, pay and working conditions, and clear expectations that no individual will be subjected to coercion, withheld wages, or restricted freedom of movement. We consider these standards essential to our business integrity and community role.

To reinforce this position, the leadership team has adopted a zero tolerance approach that is communicated regularly across the workforce. We monitor the effectiveness of the policy through management reviews and ensure it is visible in staff handbooks, supplier agreements and procurement documentation. Our aim is to embed respect for human rights into everyday practice for every Covent Garden gardener and partner.

Supplier due diligence is central to our prevention strategy. We assess risks across our supply chain, focusing on recruitment agencies, grounds maintenance subcontractors and seasonal workforce arrangements where risks are higher. Supplier checks include background compliance reviews, documentation of employment terms, and verification of lawful work status. We require suppliers to confirm their compliance with anti-slavery standards as part of contract award and renewal processes.

Supplier Audits and Controls

We operate a programme of supplier audits and spot checks designed to identify and remediate issues early. Audit activities include:

• Document audits of employment contracts, payslips and right-to-work evidence;
• On-site inspections and worker interviews to check living and working conditions;
• Remediation plans with timelines and follow-up reviews for any non-compliance.

Where issues are found, we take decisive action: requiring corrective measures, suspending the relationship, or terminating contracts where suppliers fail to meet minimum standards. We also support remediation that protects and compensates affected workers, in line with our ethical obligations.

Reporting channels are available to all workers, contractors and stakeholders who suspect modern slavery or other abuses. We maintain confidential, accessible routes for raising concerns, using multiple channels to ensure safety and anonymity where requested. Concerns are investigated promptly, objectively and with respect for the protection of whistleblowers and vulnerable individuals.

How to raise a concern: internal reporting options are outlined in our staff policies and shared with suppliers; concerns are escalated to senior management and, where appropriate, to relevant authorities. All reports trigger a documented investigation, risk assessment and, if needed, immediate protective steps for at-risk people. We do not tolerate retaliation against anyone raising genuine concerns in good faith.

Accountability, training and annual review: we provide mandatory training for employees and management to recognise indicators of modern slavery and to understand reporting obligations. Training is refreshed periodically, and targeted sessions are delivered to teams most exposed to supply chain risks. Our Executive Board reviews this modern slavery statement and associated controls at least once a year as part of an annual review process.

Measurement and continuous improvement drive our long-term approach. We track key performance indicators linked to supplier compliance, audit outcomes and reported incidents. Improvements are integrated into procurement practice and contractor onboarding, supporting the continual uplift of standards among Covent Garden gardeners and partners.

We will publish updates to this statement following each annual review and will continue to engage with industry groups, labour-rights organisations and peer companies to strengthen collective action against modern slavery. Gardeners, Covent Garden remains resolute in its pledge to protect human dignity in all our operations.

By combining clear policy, rigorous supplier audits, robust reporting channels and a formal annual review cycle, Gardeners Covent Garden aims to identify, prevent and remedy modern slavery risks. We are committed to action, transparency and continual enhancement of our safeguards to ensure ethical working conditions across our community.