Morning, Tuesday, 28th April 2026
Online
This conference will examine next steps for tackling modern slavery in the UK.
It will bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss priorities moving forward, in the context of new modern slavery legislation being signalled within the Government’s Restoring Order and Control asylum and returns policy, alongside concerns raised by the House of Lords Select Committee on the operation of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 - particularly around enforcement, accountability and victim protection - and the Government’s response setting out its intended direction.
Implications for businesses & legislation
We expect discussion to reflect key concerns raised over proposed changes to screening and disclosure processes, including issues around enforcement, regulatory resources and capacity, and how to ensure the legislative framework remains fit to respond to emerging issues. Delegates will also consider implications of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 for victim protections, and the Employment Rights Act 2025 for enforcement through a new Fair Work Agency.
Regulation & enforcement
Looking at regulatory oversight moving forward, planned sessions will assess the remit and resources of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, the transition to a single enforcement body, and the role of financial and corporate regulators in scrutinising company practice - particularly in relation to company listings and investor confidence. Policing approaches to modern slavery will be examined, along with the operation of the National Referral Mechanism and its effect on victim trust and reporting. We expect discussion on policy effectiveness and priorities for change to be informed by survivor perspectives.
Supply chains
Further discussion will examine issues around supply chains and procurement, including practical considerations and best practice for public bodies such as the NHS in meeting new duties on identifying and mitigating slavery risks, as well as the capacity of local authorities and contracting authorities to meet these obligations. Delegates will assess strategies for improving training and awareness among procurement teams, and priorities for enforcement and accountability.
High-risk sectors & international alignment
We also expect discussion approaches for businesses in high-risk sectors - such as textiles, care, and construction - to demonstrating compliance with reporting requirements, alongside questions around the voluntary nature of current guidance, and the position of the UK with respect to EU measures on due diligence and forced labour, and possible implications for corporate practice and international relationships.
Overview of areas for discussion
- legislative framework: assessing progress since the Modern Slavery Act - concerns on enforcement gaps and the strength of sanctions - options for reform to address inconsistencies in the system
- border and labour legislation: migration control and victim protection - shift of enforcement powers under new labour regulation - policy consistency across groups of vulnerable workers
- regulatory oversight: GLAA capacity to investigate sectors vulnerable to exploitation - folding regulators into a single enforcement body - FCA scrutiny of supply chain claims in company listings
- policing and victim protection: organised immigration crime taskforce effectiveness - consequences of NRM design for victim trust and reporting - survivor input into formal policy assessment
- public procurement: applying new slavery and trafficking regulations across complex supply chains - meeting due diligence duties - risks of uneven resources to enforcement and accountability
- capacity and training: awareness among procurement and safeguarding staff - training on compliance and detection - practical tools to strengthen capability across public bodies
- corporate practice: exposure of high-risk sectors - reliance on voluntary guidance for reporting - investor and consumer pressure as drivers of transparency
- international alignment: EU forced labour and due diligence rules - implications of divergence for trade access and supply chain costs - alignment with global standards
