Along with a few others, I was invited to attend a meeting in November 2019 to explore the idea of developing a British Standard to address modern slavery both within an organisation and its connected supply chain. It was decided in 2020 to go ahead with the development of a standard guidance for business and a committee of experts were asked to work on its development.

I have been privileged to participate in the development of this standard alongside some real experts whom I have known over the course of the past ten years- all passionate about the subject and keen to contribute towards a unified approach to guide organisations that are often unsure of how to navigate this complex issue. The committee was made up of standard writers, academics, representatives of NGOs, procurement and health and safety specialists, representatives from business and consultancies, procurement and risk specialists.  We are especially proud of how comprehensive and holistic this standard is covering the organisation and its supply chains.

My own role, along with others with legal expertise was to draft the provisions relating to legislation in the standard. It was a great opportunity to consider how we might develop guidance that went beyond the usual standard wording that covers legislation in standards. It was also an opportunity to explain how the standard could explicitly recognise the interdependencies with issues such as climate change and the concept of Just Transition when tackling modern slavery.

We have documented organisations need to consider when identifying its human rights and modern slavery compliance processes and risks, including how modern slavery can be linked to Bribery and extortion.  The standard also provides insight on the role of legal compliance teams and legal counsel. This standard can be read alongside our IEMA  guide on how organisations can meet their environmental and human rights legal compliance obligations, accessible here.

To hear more about this webinar, access the recording here: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/events/webinars/2022/bs-25700-organizational-responses-to-modern-slavery/

We will be providing training on the he role of legal counsel and compliance teams in 2023 so look out for notifications. SIgn up to our purposeful communications here:https://www.ardeainternational.com/signup/

For access to a FREE copy of the standard , click herehttps://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/standards/bs-25700/