Council adopts a Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Transparency statement

PR2448/SF/JB - 22/07/2022

On 29 June, Mid Sussex District Council unanimously agreed to adopt a modern slavery and human trafficking transparency statement to ensure that all steps are taken to eradicate modern slavery in its work, including its supply chains.

Mid Sussex District Council is part of the Sussex Anti-Slavery Network, which works to eradicate slavery and exploitation, with the aim of becoming a slavery-free community by 2030.  In October 2020 the council undertook a County-wide pledge to do everything in its power to become a slave free community. The transparency statement is part of that pledge and will be renewed annually.

The Council has a responsibility to prevent slavery and human trafficking within its supply chains and in any part of the organisation. The Statement sets out the Council’s actions and commitments to understand all potential modern slavery risks related to council activities and to put in place steps to combat and prevent acts of slavery and human trafficking within its business and supply chains. It applies to everyone working for the Council or on its behalf in any capacity.

By adopting the transparency statement, Mid Sussex District Council has committed to:

  • Disclose any identified instances of modern slavery.
  • Monitor supply chains and report on any issues identified through non-compliance or insufficient information provided.
  • Ensure relevant staff have access to and are completing mandatory training which supports the Modern Slavery Act.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the training annually via feedback from participants.
  • Encourage the reporting of suspicions of slavery through the Council’s Modern Slavery Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
  • Notify the Secretary of State of suspected victims of slavery or human trafficking under Sections 43, 52 and 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

“We like to think that slavery in the UK is a thing of the past, but unfortunately this is not the case”, said Councillor Norman Webster Cabinet Member for Community. “Our Council take our duties to help stamp it out very seriously and that is why Councillors unanimously agreed steps we will take and have published these for everyone to see.”

Mid Sussex District Council’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Transparency Statement can be viewed on the council website, www.midsussex.gov.uk

If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also report it to Sussex Police on 101 and if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.