The University takes a proactive, risk-based approach to preventing modern slavery across its operations, supply chains and wider community. This includes responsible procurement, supplier engagement and due diligence, staff training, awareness activity, collaboration with external partners and clear routes for reporting concerns.

The University’s Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy set out our commitment and the responsibilities of staff and others working on the University’s behalf. Each year, the University also publishes a Modern Slavery Statement in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, setting out the steps taken to identify, prevent and address modern slavery and human trafficking risks.

Modern slavery is a complex global issue that no organisation can address alone. The University works with suppliers, sector bodies and specialist organisations to raise awareness, improve transparency, share good practice and address risks across our supply chains.

Supplier engagement and due-diligence activity help us understand how suppliers manage modern slavery risks and identify areas where further guidance, engagement or action may be needed.

The University also participates in external partnerships and initiatives that support transparency, responsible procurement and action against labour exploitation.

Modern slavery remains a significant global issue. These facts help show the scale of the problem, who may be most at risk, and why awareness and early reporting are so important.

• 49.6 million people are estimated to be living in modern slavery worldwide.
• Modern slavery can occur in every country and every sector, including the UK.
• Groups at higher risk of exploitation include migrant workers, agency workers, seasonal workers, young workers and marginalised communities.
• Sectors where risk can be higher includes construction, agriculture, food production, care, cleaning, hospitality, logistics and manufacturing.

Awareness and early reporting are key to identifying and preventing exploitation.

Modern slavery can be difficult to recognise, but it affects millions of people worldwide and can occur within everyday goods, services and supply chains. A single indicator does not necessarily mean someone is being exploited, but the following warning signs may suggest that a person needs help:

• Very long working hours or unsafe working conditions
• No employment contract or payslips
• Wages controlled by someone else
• Overcrowded or poor-quality accommodation
• Individuals appearing fearful of another person
• Workers being transported to and from work by others
• Recruitment fees or debts linked to employment
• Lack of access to identification documents or passports

If something does not feel right, report your concern. Do not attempt to investigate the situation yourself or put yourself or another person at risk. Familiarise yourself with the warning signs and share this information within your area to help colleagues recognise and report potential exploitation.

If you suspect modern slavery, labour exploitation or human trafficking, it is important to report it as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether something constitutes modern slavery, it is still important to seek advice or report your concern.

Every member of our community can play a role in identifying and preventing exploitation. You can:

• Speak to your line manager
• Use the University's Whistleblowing / Public Interest Disclosure Procedure
• Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

The University supports anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith. You do not need to be certain that modern slavery is taking place before raising a concern.

The University works to raise awareness of modern slavery through training, awareness campaigns and events. Staff can access learning resources, guidance and information to help understand the issue and recognise potential warning signs.

Want to learn more? Explore the resources below to understand modern slavery risks, warning signs and the role we can all play in preventing exploitation.

• University Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy
• University StaffNet: 2024 Anti-Slavery Week discussion
• University StaffNet: Responsible Procurement
• Download a poster about the signs of modern slavery
• University Modern Slavery Statement

You can view and compare our progress from our previous Modern Slavery statements which are available below:

• 2015/16
• 2016/17
• 2017/18
• 2018/19
• 2019/20
• 2020/21
• 2021/22
• 2022/23
• 2023/24
• 2024/25

We are committed to being open and transparent so our statements are visible through the Transparency in the Supply Chain Portal (TISC), and also the UK Home Office Modern Slavery Statement Registry.