Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking statement

EdgeWorks™ is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of its operations and supply chains.

This policy is made pursuant to section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes EdgeWorks™ slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

EdgeWorks™ has zero tolerance for slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking.

We are committed to acting ethically, transparently and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships.

Legislative framework

This policy is written in accordance with:

• Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• Employment Rights Act 1996.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Companies Act 2006 (Section 172 duties).
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (as amended).

It should be read alongside the following EdgeWorks™ policies:

• Whistleblowing Policy.
• Recruitment and Selection Policy.
• Corporate Social Responsibility Policy.
• Safeguarding Policy.
• Data Protection and Usage Policy.

Where overlap exists, the relevant specialist policy takes procedural precedence.

Organisational structure and supply chains

EdgeWorks™ is a UK-based training and assessment provider operating primarily within the health and social care sector.

• Our supply chain includes:
• IT and hosting providers.
• Professional services providers.
• Freelance associates and contractors.
• Awarding organisations and regulatory partners.

We do not operate internationally and primarily procure goods and services within the United Kingdom.

However, we recognise that modern slavery risks may exist in indirect supply chains, including technology and service providers.

Risk assessment

EdgeWorks™ conducts an annual documented review of modern slavery risk across its operations and supply chains.

• Risk assessment considers:
• Nature of goods or services procured.
• Geographic risk exposure.
• Labour intensity of services.
• Use of subcontractors.

At present, our direct operational risk is assessed as low. This assessment is reviewed annually and following any significant organisational or supply chain change.

Due diligence and supplier controls

EdgeWorks™ expects all suppliers and partners to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Our controls include:

• Right to work checks for all employees in accordance with Home Office guidance.
• Safer recruitment procedures as defined in the Recruitment and Selection Policy.
• Written contractual terms requiring lawful and ethical conduct.
• Supplier onboarding checks where proportionate.
• Escalation of concerns through Whistleblowing and Safeguarding routes.

Where concerns arise, EdgeWorks™ reserves the right to investigate and, where appropriate, terminate contractual arrangements.

Recruitment and employment practices

EdgeWorks™ operates fair, lawful and transparent recruitment processes. We:

• Verify identity and right to work in the UK.
• Conduct DBS checks where legally required.
• Provide written terms and conditions of employment.
• Ensure no recruitment fees are charged to workers.
• Monitor for indicators of coercion or exploitation.

Recruitment arrangements are governed by the Recruitment and Selection Policy.

Safeguarding interface

As a training provider in the health and social care sector, EdgeWorks™ recognises that learners or staff may encounter indicators of exploitation, trafficking or coercion.

Where concerns relate to learner welfare or vulnerability, matters will be managed under the Safeguarding Policy.

Where appropriate, concerns may be escalated to:

• Local safeguarding partnerships.
• The Police.
• Relevant regulators or authorities.

Reporting concerns

All workers are encouraged to raise concerns about modern slavery or exploitation.

Concerns may be reported through:

• Line management channels.
• The Managing Director.
• The Board.
• The Whistleblowing Policy procedure.

No individual will suffer detriment for raising a concern in good faith.

Training and awareness

EdgeWorks™ ensures that:

• Senior management understand their responsibilities under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• Safer recruitment training is provided where relevant.
• Safeguarding training includes awareness of exploitation and trafficking risks.

Training requirements are reviewed annually.

Monitoring and key indicators

EdgeWorks™ monitors:

• Completion of right to work checks.
• Recruitment compliance audits.
• Safeguarding disclosures relating to exploitation.
• Whistleblowing reports involving labour practices.

Findings are reviewed by senior leadership as part of annual governance review.

Governance and approval

This statement has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

The Board retains overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and reflects organisational risk.

This statement will be:

• Reviewed annually.
• Updated where necessary.
• Published on the EdgeWorks™ website in accordance with statutory requirements.