Gardening Temple - Modern Slavery Statement

Gardening Temple is committed to preventing contemporary slavery and human trafficking in all forms across our operations and supply chains. This modern slavery statement explains our approach, the steps we take to reduce risk, and our commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on forced labour, debt bondage and other exploitative practices.

We recognise that a robust anti-slavery policy is essential for a responsible business. Our anti-slavery statement applies to all employees, contractors and suppliers. We maintain clear expectations that anyone supplying goods or services must adhere to our standards and the principles set out in this declaration.

Scope and commitment

This policy covers Gardening Temple’s activities and the full extent of our procurement for plants, equipment, materials and services. As part of our slavery and human trafficking statement, we work to identify and address potential risks in regions and industries where vulnerability to exploitation is higher. We are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all relationships and to implementing and enforcing effective systems to mitigate modern slavery risk.

We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards modern slavery. Any instance of forced labour, human trafficking, involuntary servitude or related practices discovered within our operations or supply chain will trigger immediate remedial action, contractual termination where appropriate, and cooperation with authorities. Our workplace policies emphasise respect for human rights and the dignity of every worker.

Due diligence and supplier audits

Gardening Temple conducts regular supplier assessments. Our supplier due diligence includes risk profiling, contractual provisions, and on-site or remote audits where necessary. We evaluate suppliers on labour standards, recruitment practices and working conditions. Key actions include:

• Pre-qualification checks on new suppliers and periodic re-assessment of existing partners
• Targeted audits for high-risk suppliers and sectors
• Contract clauses requiring compliance with our modern slavery policy and the right to audit

Our supplier audits combine documentary review, interviews and, when warranted, physical inspections to verify compliance. Where audits identify deficiencies, we require time-bound remediation plans and provide guidance on corrective measures. If suppliers fail to address serious breaches, we will cease commercial relationships to uphold our anti-slavery responsibilities.

We support the empowerment of workers by encouraging transparency and enabling channels for workers to raise concerns. Our approach recognises the need for continuous improvement and collaboration with industry peers to strengthen safeguards against exploitation in the horticulture and landscaping sectors.

Reporting channels and whistleblowing: Gardening Temple provides confidential reporting channels for employees, suppliers and third parties to report suspected modern slavery, forced labour or human trafficking. Reports can be made internally through established escalation routes and will be investigated impartially. We protect whistleblowers from retaliation and take all reports seriously.

Training and awareness form a core part of our strategy. We deliver regular training to procurement, HR and operational teams so they can recognise signs of exploitation and respond appropriately. Awareness materials emphasise the importance of ethical recruitment, proper documentation and fair working hours, reinforcing our slavery statement principles.

Performance metrics: To monitor effectiveness, Gardening Temple tracks audit outcomes, corrective action completion rates, and the number and nature of reports received through our reporting channels. These indicators help direct resources towards higher-risk areas and measure improvements over time.

Annual review: This modern slavery and human trafficking statement is reviewed at least once a year by senior management. The annual review assesses policy effectiveness, updates risk assessments, and sets priorities for supplier engagement, audits and training in the coming year. The review process ensures that our response evolves with emerging risks and industry best practice.

In summary, Gardening Temple remains resolute in its commitment to prevent modern slavery. Through a zero-tolerance stance, rigorous supplier audits, secure reporting channels and an annual review cycle, we strive to ensure that our gardens, products and services are free from exploitation and consistent with our ethical values.