Modern Slavery Statement for Gardeners Edmonton

This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the commitment of Gardeners Edmonton and affiliated teams to prevent modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. As an organisation of professional gardeners in Edmonton and horticultural service providers, we recognise our responsibility to protect workers and to maintain transparent, ethical practices throughout the delivery of landscaping, maintenance and garden care services.

Gardeners Edmonton operates a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of exploitation. We make clear that forced labour, deceptive recruitment, withholding of wages and restrictions on freedom of movement are unacceptable. This principle applies to all staff, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers engaged by Gardeners, Edmonton or associated teams, and forms the cornerstone of our procurement and HR policies.

Our statement covers the supply chain for plant stock, materials, equipment hire and seasonal labour. The scope includes direct hires and third-party providers working with Edmonton gardeners, Gardeners of Edmonton branches, and contractors providing services under our direction. We maintain a risk-based approach to identify where modern slavery risks may be most prevalent and apply focused mitigation in higher-risk areas.

We require all suppliers to meet explicit standards through contractual clauses and supplier codes of conduct. Our supplier audits programme is robust and proportionate: we carry out due diligence checks, on-site assessments and document reviews. Key components of our supplier audit process include:

• Regular risk assessments and screening based on geography, labour intensity and supplier history;
• Planned and unannounced supplier audits with corrective action plans where issues are found;
• Remediation timelines and the right to terminate contracts when unacceptable practices persist.

We use a combination of desktop reviews, supplier self-assessments and independent third-party auditors where appropriate. For seasonal labour and subcontracted teams used by Edmonton gardeners, Gardeners Edmonton enforces verification of worker documentation, transparent payroll processes and clear employment terms. Our procurement teams are trained to recognise red flags and to escalate concerns for investigation promptly.

To encourage reporting and to protect those who raise concerns, Gardeners Edmonton maintains multiple

reporting channels

and protective measures. We promote safe, confidential and accessible mechanisms so workers, suppliers and members of the public can raise allegations without fear of retaliation. These channels include a secure internal reporting pathway, anonymous reporting options via third-party hotlines and an internal case management process to track investigations.

When reports are received, we implement a measured investigative process: allegations are logged, assessed for credibility, and where necessary, subject to independent inquiry. Investigations include interviews, documentation review and engagement with suppliers to establish facts. Where modern slavery indicators are confirmed, Gardeners Edmonton will take immediate remedial actions, which may include worker support, supplier improvement plans and termination of contracts for persistent violations.

Gardeners Edmonton is committed to continuous improvement. We conduct an annual review of our modern slavery policies, supply chain risk assessments and audit outcomes. Each year we publish an internal summary of findings and adjust procedures based on lessons learned. This annual review cycle ensures our approach evolves with emerging risks and best practices applicable to Edmonton gardeners and related landscaping services.

Our leadership team holds ultimate responsibility for this statement and for ensuring that commitments are implemented. We allocate resources to compliance activities, supplier management and worker welfare initiatives. Training for relevant staff and contractors reinforces the expectations set out in this policy and equips teams to identify and act on signs of exploitation.

Gardeners Edmonton seeks collaboration with industry peers, local authorities and advocacy groups to strengthen prevention and remediation efforts. We believe that collective action among Edmonton gardeners and the wider horticultural sector is essential to address systemic risks and to protect vulnerable workers.

By maintaining a zero-tolerance stance, rigorous supplier audits, clear and safe reporting channels, and an annual review cycle, Gardeners, Edmonton reaffirms its commitment to eradicating modern slavery from our operations and supply chain. This statement is reviewed at least once every year and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business and the environments in which we operate.