The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires organisations turning over more than £36 million to show how they are tackling modern slavery. Here are five ways that procurement teams can start addressing the issue.

1. Five ways the Modern Slavery
Act will change procurement

2. Modern slavery
Reported as an issue in
every country around the
world
In many industries, from
electronics and automobiles
to seafood and textiles
The Modern Slavery Act
2015 requires organisations
turning over more than
£36m to show how they are
tackling it

3. Time is ticking
These £36m+
organisations have to
produce a statement within
6 months of their year end
(March 2016 on)
Detailing how they are
addressing modern
slavery and human
trafficking in their supply
chains
Has to be published on
company website home
page

4. 5 implications for procurement
Awareness
Priorities
Champions
Training
Supplier engagement

5. Awareness
‘Not knowing’ won’t be acceptable
Understanding the risks of modern
slavery will be essential, e.g.
• An estimated 35.8m people in some
form of modern slavery globally
• UK reported 1746 cases of slavery in
2013
• Illegal global profits of $150bn p.a.

6. Priorities
Procurement teams
need to prioritise the
highest risk areas
According to CIPS,
these could include
areas where there are
weaker laws, low
enforcement & poor
business or govt
accountability; areas
with high levels of
poverty or
discrimination against
certain groups

7. Champions
A Modern Slavery champion
could be a pivotal player in
procurement teams
This will ensure one individual
is always responsible for
keeping up to date on risks;
helping colleagues &
management to take all
necessary actions & update
policies

8. Training
CIPS Ethical e-learning course
is a good starting point for
anyone engaging with
suppliers on human rights &
related issues
Content includes a look at
forced labour in supply chains,
where risks lie and how to
eradicate them

9. Supplier engagement
Audits, evaluations,
shortlisting &
performance
management processes
are likely to be
impacted by the Modern
Slavery Act

10. Supplier engagement
Start by ensuring that existing &
new suppliers understand the
organisation’s approach to
modern slavery
Alter supply contracts to reflect
this
Support & encourage whistle-
blowing throughout the supply
chain

11. A chance for change
Ultimately, procurement will be pivotal in helping to stop
slave labour in the UK and across the world

12. For more procurement insights
You can follow
Banner on LinkedIn
Or join us on Twitter