Our third annual modern slavery conference ran this November, and we are delighted to have had such wonderful feedback from delegates. We aimed to create a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices, with a focus on practical solutions and systemic change – and I’m happy to say that we achieved it. As one delegate put it, the day was “refreshingly free of blah blah blah [with] real experience, real examples”! 

We truly could not have done it without the support of the Bakhita Centre and DMH Stallard, along with our wonderful student volunteers from St. Mary’s University Twickenham.  

Our conference provided a comprehensive exploration of the current challenges in addressing modern slavery and supply chain due diligence, with discussions revolving around effective practice across sectors. Below is a summary of the key themes and insights discussed: 

Key Themes and Insights: 

Modern Slavery as a Core Human Rights Issue

Modern slavery is deeply entrenched in global supply chains and economic systems. It is not merely a compliance issue but a fundamental human rights concern that demands integration into business operations and governance. The Global Slavery Index revealed that nearly 50 million people are living in modern slavery, with forced labour and forced marriage being the most prevalent forms. Vulnerable groups include women, children, and migrants, with systemic risks exacerbated by conflicts, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities. 

Legislative and Policy Developments

Discussions highlighted the evolution of mandatory human rights due diligence laws globally, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and forced labour regulations. Although the future of the CS3D and EUDR remains uncertain, speakers also underscored the benefits to businesses of undertaking HRDD. These included enhanced reputation, improved investor confidence, and long-term sustainability. By embedding ethical practices into their operations, companies can not only mitigate risks but also position themselves as leaders in responsible business conduct, fostering trust among stakeholders and gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly regulated global market. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Meaningful engagement with rights holders, including workers and local communities are critical for effective human rights due diligence. Collaborative efforts between businesses, NGOs, and governments are essential for addressing systemic risks. Part of this means taking a survivor centred approach; incorporating survivor voices into anti-slavery initiatives is key but must be done right. Effective practices include providing training and support to survivors, ensuring their insights inform policy and practice, and avoiding tokenistic or exploitative engagements. 

Risk Mitigation and Practical Solutions

Strategies for mitigating modern slavery risks included robust supply chain mapping, tailored due diligence frameworks, and the use of technology for transparency.  

The conference called for a shift towards prevention-focused paradigms, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and continued innovation in addressing modern slavery risks. Delegates were urged to move beyond compliance and adopt ethical practices that prioritise human rights. 

One aspect of this move towards proactive practice was the identification and addressing of drivers of exploitation. Delegates had a brief preview of our upcoming white paper, looking at modern slavery in Sussex. Our research has identified a strong link between homelessness and modern slavery, with homelessness being both a driver and outcome of exploitation. Recommendations included better coordination among local authorities, NGOs, and businesses, as well as targeted support for vulnerable populations. 

 Thank you once again to all our speakers and delegates; your willingness to be open and frank about your respective journeys and the challenges facing you created some truly impactful conversations. 

Key Resources

1. The CCLA UK Modern Slavery Benchmark, released 20th November 2025: https://www.ccla.co.uk/documents/ccla-modern-slavery-uk-benchmark-2025/download?inline=
2. The Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP): https://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/leap