Tackling Modern Slavery in Supply Chains – Guidance

On 26 March 2020, the UK became the first country to publish a Government Modern Slavery Statement, setting out the steps government was taking to identify and prevent modern slavery in its own supply chains^[footnote].

In November 2021, Ministerial departments published their own annual modern slavery statements, setting out the steps they’ve taken to address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. These can be found here on the Modern Slavery Statement Registry.

Now, the UK Cabinet Office has published a guide on tackling modern slavery through supply chains. Aimed at procurement and commercial practitioners, the guide is the opportunity for government to use its buying power to help mitigate risks in supply chain in both procurement and supplier management.

The guide examines ways to identify modern slavery risks in commercial activity and the provides practical steps to follow depending on the designated risk category. The document also provides guidance on taking a risk-based approach, and how to focus efforts on those areas where it will have the greatest impact.

The guidance also provides solutions for managing risks in existing contracts. These include contracts that have already been awarded to suppliers, including call-offs from framework agreements.

You can find the guidance document here

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