Modern Slavery and Exploitation – Our Commitment
At Sandwell Council, we are committed to tackling modern slavery and exploitation in all its forms. We uphold the principles of human rights, social justice and equality, and we take seriously our duty to prevent, identify and respond to modern slavery within our organisation and our communities.
Each year, we publish a Modern Slavery Transparency Statement, in line with Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This outlines our approach and key actions taken to strengthen our response.
Our Approach
Leadership and Governance
We have a designated Modern Slavery Programme Manager and a dedicated Community Safety Officer who oversees operational delivery. Together, they provide focus and coordination across the council and partners.
In 2024, we reaffirmed our pledge to become a Slavery-Free Community at the Sandwell Modern Slavery Summit. We also maintain strategic oversight through a nominated Cabinet Lead for Modern Slavery and an annual update to the Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities (SNAC) Scrutiny Board.
Multi-Agency Response
We lead the Slavery and Human Trafficking Operational Partnership (SHOP), ensuring a joined-up and effective boroughwide response.
We work closely with statutory partners, community groups, and local services to share intelligence, safeguard victims, and disrupt exploitation.
Training and Awareness
Our training framework ensures staff know how to recognise, report, and respond.
Procurement officers are trained through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) to identify risks and uphold ethical standards.
We also raise awareness across supply chains, businesses, and the wider public.
Whistleblowing and Internal Reporting
We promote a clear whistleblowing route to report concerns, supported by internal escalation processes and victim referral pathways.
This enables early intervention and safe responses to potential cases.
Procurement and Supply Chains
All new spend over £1,000 and recruitment decisions are reviewed through the council’s Value for Money and Vacancy Management Panels.
This helps ensure ethical practice and accountability in decision-making.
We have also reviewed lessons learned across procurement and commercial processes to strengthen safeguards.
Measuring Progress
We use the Local Government Association’s Modern Slavery Maturity Matrix to assess our strengths and gaps across leadership, victim support, workforce development, disruption and supply chains.
This provides a clear baseline for continued improvement.
Read Sandwell's latest Modern Slavery Statement