Leveraging procurement power: How government initiatives are driving the fight against modern slavery

Featuring Jane Bristow, Crown Representative and Non Executive Director

I’m Jane Bristow, a Crown Representative in the Cabinet Office, and I’ve had the privilege of serving in this role for nearly seven years. One of my key responsibilities is assisting the government’s commercial function in its mission to eradicate modern slavery, particularly by working closely with strategic suppliers. I’m delighted to be part of this discussion and eager to share insights from what I’ve learned over the years.

Modern slavery in government procurement: A collective challenge

One of the recurring challenges in addressing modern slavery is engaging those who are less directly involved in the fight. While many of us are passionate about eradicating this horrific practice, success requires a collective effort. Over the past seven years, I’ve seen first hand that even small changes in this area demand the commitment of an army of people. Progress is possible, but it takes time, collaboration, and determination.

PPN 02/23: A step forward in ethical procurement

Earlier this year, the government published Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 02/23, which provides important guidance on ethical buying practices with a focus on modern slavery. Though the document is aimed at government contracting authorities, it’s relevant for any organisation involved in procurement. Below, I’ve outlined some of the key takeaways from this policy that can be applied broadly across industries.

Understand your supply chain

It’s been said before, but it cannot be overstated: you must understand your supply chain. It’s essential to know where the risks of exploitation are. If your organisation cannot address every potential risk, focus on the highest-risk areas. For example, several departments are leading the way by employing sophisticated approaches to assess their suppliers, including in depth supply chain mapping, identifying and ranking key areas to address.

Utilise external resources

Numerous organisations are dedicated to combating modern slavery, and we encourage contracting authorities to make use of external resources. Tools like the United States Bureau of International Labour Affairs and the Global Slavery Index can help identify potential risks. If you’re unsure about the presence of risk in your supply chain, these resources can be invaluable in providing guidance.

Prioritise training and development

Training is a crucial part of the process, but it’s not just about educating everyone across the board. The latest PPN emphasises the importance of providing targeted training for commercial and procurement staff—particularly those managing contracts or interacting with potential victims of modern slavery. This helps raise awareness, identify risks, and ensure that suspected cases of exploitation are handled appropriately. I’m pleased to see that this guidance includes a focus on the needs of potential victims, addressing a common criticism that governments sometimes avoid confronting the human aspect of the issue.

Leverage your procurement power

The UK government wields significant buying power, and are using it positively to combat modern slavery. The new guidance encourages working with suppliers to resolve issues where victims are identified, with contract termination being a last resort. Collaboration and resolution should always be the first steps, as we aim to create a more ethical supply chain environment. You too can leverage your own procurement power to effect change in this area.

Prepare for the Procurement Bill

The upcoming Procurement Bill, which will come into effect in 2025, will introduce significant consequences for non-compliance, including the ultimate sanction: debarment from government contracts. This will not only apply to organisations that work exclusively with the government but also those that operate across both public and private sectors. If you don’t take this issue seriously and fail to build robust assurance mechanisms, your organisation could face severe penalties.

Key takeaways for ethical procurement

To recap, here are the key points that can help any organisation in the fight against modern slavery:

1. Understand your supply chain.
2. Assess and prioritise your risks.
3. Use external resources to support your efforts.
4. Train your teams effectively.
5. Leverage your procurement power to drive ethical standards.

Modern slavery is a pervasive issue, but through collective action and the responsible use of procurement power, we can make a real impact. Together, we can set new benchmarks for ethical practices and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.