Preparing a Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement: Guidance for Higher Education and the wider Public Sector
by Olga Martin-Ortega, Martina Trusgnach and Marisol Bernal from LUPC, BHRE and HEPA
This Guidance is aimed at higher education providers and the wider public sector, and is part of the Business, Human Rights and the Environment Research Group (BHRE) work to support efforts towards more responsible social procurement and encourage institutions to respect, protect and promote human rights through their purchasing decisions.
It supports public sector organisations to develop human rights due diligence in their supply chain and report on what they are doing in their Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement (the Statement).
However, this Guidance does not intend to provide a template or a “do this and you will be done with the Statement” guide. Statements should present the efforts, policies and processes undertaken by your institution, reflecting your journey towards fulfilling the responsibilities of the public sector towards those who provide the products and services we procure. The Statement is just one of the elements of this process, one that should be completed with care, attention, and honesty.