Modern Slavery Statement
We would like to remind our members to review their current Modern Slavery Statements and make the appropriate amendments before the next publication. It is best practice to publish the statement within 6 months of the end of the financial year.
According to the International Labour Organisation, more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. Although modern slavery is not defined in law, it is used as an umbrella term covering practices such as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power.
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act (MSA) requires commercial organisations, with an annual turnover of £36 million or more, to report each year on their efforts to identify, prevent and mitigate modern slavery in their supply chains.
For the LUPC membership – the vast majority need to comply.
As a reminder of the mandatory elements, all statements must:
- contain information on the efforts of your institution in the financial year
- be available from a link on a prominent place on your organisation homepage
- be approved by the highest level of governance
- be signed by someone at the most senior level in your institution
Based on the UK Government guidance, it is best practice that you:
- Publish your modern slavery statement at the bottom of the homepage or in a relevant menu on your website such as “About Us”. Visibility and easy access to the statement is a clear sign of transparency and confirms your reputation as an organisation that takes this seriously.
- Always include the date of approval and the financial year you are reporting.
- Ensure the statement is published within 6 months of the end of the financial year.
- Ensure you keep a statement for each previous financial year on your website. This is a live document that has to be updated every year and serves to detail the progress made by your organisation.
Key resources to help you write your Modern Slavery statement
LUPC's top tips on writing a Modern Slavery statement
Guidance for suppliers produced by the UKUPC Responsible Procurement Network, on developing a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Act Statement.
HEPA Responsible Procurement Group Modern Slavery & Human Rights sub-group* guide listing resources related to modern slavery & human rights, including UK and international legislation, relevant international organisations, and guidance on modern slavery statements.
*Marisol Bernal, LUPC's Responsible Procurement Lead sits on this group.
Free e-learning: Protecting Human Rights in the Supply Chain
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Watch this Ted Talk on Public Procurement and Human Rights, delivered by Andy Davies, former LUPC Director and leading specialist in Modern Slavery.
