What have we done in 2022/23
In October 2022 we raised awareness of Anti-Slavery Week, culminating with Anti-Slavery day on the 18 October. Internal communications to staff were used to increase awareness and visibility along with a dedicated SharePoint site that was published with a thought-provoking quiz.
In order to make clear our commitment to responsible sourcing the Procurement team renewed the CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark, honing their skills and knowledge of ethical procurement and sustainable supply chains.
A review of the guidance set out in British Standard (BS) 25700:2022 (Organizational responses to modern slavery) has been completed. This has resulted in the development of a framework, which establishes a 24-month rolling action plan. The action plan will be used to bring together areas across the University through a dedicated working group, expanding upon and further embedding a culture of continuous improvement in the eradication of modern slavery.
A gap analysis of the University’s adherence to ISO 20400 guidance (Sustainable Procurement) highlighted a requirement to review and learn from contracts. One example of this has been evidenced by our response to plans to increase our solar PV provisions across the campus. In recognition of the risk of forced labour being present in some associated supply chains, a joint piece of due diligence work between members of the Sustainability and Procurement Teams resulted in a published statement of preference for certain manufacturers. The statement makes clear that the manufacturers do not represent an exhaustive list, however other proposed manufacturers not listed that are surfaced during associated bidding activity by suppliers, will require the same analysis and due diligence prior to consideration by the University on solar PV projects. Due to technology changes the statement will be reviewed annually in line with the University's Financial Year.
University Commercial Services Plymouth Limited (UCSP) are on track for achieving Fairtrade re-accreditation during 2023/24. In 2022/23 engagement across the University community has been a major area of focus. By promoting Fairtrade we support producers in achieving better prices, improving working conditions, championing sustainability, and ensuring fair terms of trade for farmers and workers around the world, but particularly in lower income countries. Follow our progress at .
We continue to recognise those supply chains that represent a risk of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced and bonded labour, and labour rights violations. We have not identified any such activity, however if the University does identify instances of modern slavery in its supply chain, relevant action will be taken, including informing the police. Pending a full review, if we were unable to influence a positive change, this will result in terminating the associated contract.
What we are going to do in the future
The challenge of modern slavery and human trafficking is one that is best addressed through the ongoing and proactive engagement with suppliers, members of the UK Universities Purchasing Consortia (UKUPC) and wider professional networks such as HEPA (Higher Education Procurement Association), through which the sharing of experience will establish and maintain best practice.
During the Financial year ending 31 July 2024 we are;
- Progressing the actions that follow on from the review of British Standard (BS) 25700:2022 (Organizational responses to modern slavery).Ìý
- Continuing the journey of increasing internal awareness of modern slavery risks by supporting and promoting Anti Slavery Week. Activity will include sharing with staff statistics on the scale of the issue and running internal communication campaigns up to and beyond Anti Slavery Day.