Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2025
Introduction
Hyndburn Borough Council is committed to ensuring that modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and exploitation have no place within our organisation, our services, or our supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to take a robust approach to preventing these practices and are committed to acting ethically and with integrity in all our operations.
This statement sets out the steps we are taking to identify and address the risks of modern slavery, both within our own organisation and through the services and goods we procure.
Our Commitment
We will:
- Ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking are considered as part of our safeguarding, employment, procurement, and community engagement practices.
- Raise awareness among our staff and elected members, providing appropriate training where relevant.
- Work with partners, suppliers, contractors, and the wider community to promote ethical practices and zero tolerance for modern slavery.
- Support victims of modern slavery through our safeguarding processes and referrals to specialist support where needed.
Our Organisation
Hyndburn Borough Council delivers a range of services to residents, businesses, and visitors across the borough. We employ directly and commission through contractors and suppliers a wide range of services, including waste management, housing, leisure, and grounds maintenance.
We recognise that some sectors we work with, such as construction, cleaning, hospitality, and care, may present a higher risk of modern slavery within supply chains.
Our Policies and Procedures
We have in place:
- Safeguarding Policies covering children, young people, and vulnerable adults, including identifying and reporting concerns about exploitation.
- Recruitment and Employment Procedures that ensure fair and transparent employment practices, including checking eligibility to work and safeguarding against forced labour.
- Procurement Procedures that embed the requirement for suppliers and contractors to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, including considering the ethical sourcing of goods and services.
- Whistleblowing Policy that enables concerns about wrongdoing, including modern slavery, to be raised confidentially and without fear of reprisal.
Due Diligence and Risk Management
We will continue to strengthen our approach by:
- Assessing new suppliers and contracts for risks of modern slavery.
- Including modern slavery compliance clauses in procurement and contract management.
- Working with partners in the public, voluntary, and private sectors to share intelligence and tackle risks collectively.
Training and Awareness
- We will provide targeted training and guidance for staff who are most likely to encounter potential victims of modern slavery, such as those working in housing, environmental health, licensing, and procurement.
- We will also raise broader awareness across the organisation through internal communications and resources.
Reporting Concerns
We encourage anyone who suspects that modern slavery or human trafficking may be taking place within our organisation, services, or community to report their concerns.
Reports can be made through:
- Our Whistleblowing Policy procedures
- The Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700)
Review
This statement will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect the progress we are making and any new or emerging risks.