Content

11.1

The
Head of Policy and Partnerships introduced the report which
proposed a phased approach to enhancing the response to modern
slavery:
 
Phase
1: Publish a Modern Slavery Statement (set out in Appendix 1) that
outlines the Council’s commitment and existing
actions.
 
Phase
2: Cross-service work to strengthen employee awareness with
targeted training; reinforce partnerships; and take action on supply chains.
 
Phase
3: Continuous improvement, including periodic updates to the Modern
Slavery Statement.

 

 

11.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Finance and Performance Policy
Committee:-
 
a)   
Approve the Modern Slavery Statement, as set out in Appendix 1.
b)   
Endorse the proposed phased approach to tackling modern slavery, as
set out in section 2.0, with particular
reference to meeting the Council’s statutory duty to
notify the Home Office when a potential victim of modern slavery is
identified.
c)   
Agree that an update report on work to tackle modern slavery be
brought to Finance and Performance Committee, and relevant
strategic community safety and safeguarding partnerships, in 12
months.

 

 

11.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

11.3.1

The recommendations
set out in this report are made to ensure Sheffield City Council
meets its statutory duty to identify and refer victims of modern
slavery, as required by the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Publishing a
Modern Slavery Statement and adopting a phased approach will
strengthen the Council’s commitment to tackling exploitation,
improve staff awareness, and enhance support for survivors. This
approach also aligns with the Council’s ethical
responsibilities and supports transparency and accountability in
its operations and supply chains.

 

 

11.3.2

Taking these steps
will contribute to key Council Plan outcomes, including protecting
vulnerable people, promoting inclusive services, and fostering
community cohesion. By proactively addressing modern slavery, the
Council will demonstrate leadership in safeguarding, support fair
employment practices, and help create a safer, more equitable city
for all residents.

 

 

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

11.4.1

Alternative Option
1: Do nothing Reasons for rejection: This would mean that we
cannot be confident that we are meeting our statutory duty to
notify. It also does not meet the commitment in the Ethical
Procurement Policy to publish a Modern Slavery Statement.

 

 

11.4.2

Alternative Option
2: Large cross-organisational programme of work to tackle
modern slavery Reasons for rejection: setting up a large programme
could delay the immediate actions to better meet our statutory duty
and would take resource and capacity away from other Council
priorities.