Seven Police and Crime Commissioners and their respective Chief Constables
have each worked together to develop a Modern Slavery Transparency in
Supply Chains (TISC) Statement.
From Sunday, October 18, which is UK Anti-Slavery Day, West Yorkshire, North
Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Humberside, Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria
counties will operate according to this single vision.
It is a collaborative and voluntary commitment, not just to examine policing
businesses and supply chains for modern slavery, but also to tackle modern
slavery as a whole.
Led by West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark
Burns-Williamson OBE as the national APCC lead for modern slavery and human
trafficking, it has taken a number of months to develop and prepare.
PCC Mark Burns-Williamson says it demonstrates a true sign of
shared intent and a positive example to others: “We know from the
academic work and various national reports on the theme of modern day slavery
that exploitation through business activities and supply chains remains an
ongoing problem that can often be hidden from plain sight.
“As public bodies charged with addressing and detecting these despicable
crimes within our communities, it is absolutely right and critical that we all
lead by example. Only by scratching the surface, asking questions and
proactively exploring the avenues of our business, can we properly address the
issue of malpractice or exploitation within supply chains.
“Each of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s and forces involved
recognise this fact and acknowledge the importance of having a consistent
approach that can make a tangible difference through our procurement processes
which are well established within the region.
“The recent annual report from the national Independent Anti-Slavery
Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, for instance, underlined the importance
of leadership and co-ordination in affecting change and this
collective TISC Statement of intent is a great example of that. It
outlines exactly how we are going to collectively achieve our goals and in
addition, we will gather data via a supplier engagement tool that will inform
an evolving action plan.
“Not only will this set the benchmark for other public sector
organisations, but it will send out a clear message to those in the commercial
and private sector as well in doing the right thing at a time of uncertainty
for many.
“Already the Modern Slavery Organised Immigration Crime Programme (MSOICP)
have realised its potential value and requested that we work alongside
them to support and develop national best practice for the Home Office, which
is exactly the sort of catalyst we want to create.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell, of Durham Constabulary, said:
“The collaborative approach between these seven forces shows a clear
understanding about widespread nature of this horrendous situation people can
find themselves in and how it must be tackled together to make things better.
“In addition, we are also taking a multi-agency approach and
working closely with several of our partners so we can protect those who are
often the most vulnerable in our society.
“Slavery should be consigned to history but sadly we know it
still exists in its modern-day form in 21st Century Britain.
“We are taking a long hard look at all ourselves to ensure
that absolutely nothing we do inadvertently supports this abhorrent practise
and we would urge all organisations to do the same.”
Steve White, Acting Police, Crime and
Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington said: “I have given
priority to addressing modern day slavery in the Police, Crime and Victims’
Plan 2018-21 and determined to put things in place to make this less prevalent
in County Durham and Darlington but above all, the priority is identifying,
supporting and protecting the victims of these horrific crimes that prey on the
most vulnerable people in our society.”
To report a suspicion or seek advice, call the Modern Slavery Helpline
on 0800 0121 700 or visit the
webpage for further information and advice Modernslaveryhelpline.org