May 2026
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This conference examined next steps for tackling modern slavery in the UK.
It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss priorities moving forward, with new modern slavery legislation being signalled in the Government’s recently published Restoring Order and Control asylum and returns policy.
Areas for discussion included implications of asylum and immigration reform for victim identification and protection, as well as priorities for accountability, labour market oversight and enforcement, and issues for business compliance, supply chains, procurement and international alignment.
Concerns raised by the House of Lords Select Committee on the operation of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 were discussed, including findings on uneven enforcement, limited accountability and gaps in protection for victims. The Government’s response - setting out proposed changes to identification processes, compliance expectations and oversight arrangements - was considered, alongside options for the future direction of policy, including approaches to tackling forced labour more effectively and strengthening supply chain transparency.
Policy coordination, victim protections & employer duties
Sessions considered how proposed reform to screening, identification, and disclosure processes sits alongside wider changes to asylum and immigration policy, including concerns raised by some organisations about the risk of modern slavery victims being missed or deterred from entering the National Referral Mechanism.
Delegates considered implications of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 for victim protections, including approaches to tackling organised exploitation, the impact of expanded detention powers and accelerated decision-making. Approaches to balancing deterrence measures with trauma-informed practice were also assessed.
The way forward for consistent reporting through modern slavery statements was examined, and support needed for small and medium-sized enterprises in meeting disclosure and supply chain mapping duties - as well as a potential shift towards mandatory due diligence models, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ review into Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains in July 2025.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 and creation of a new Fair Work Agency - having launched in April 2026 - was discussed, assessing its role and remit, and how the agency might change labour market enforcement arrangements and its interaction with existing organisations. Practicalities for folding regulators into a single enforcement body, and future expectations on employers and businesses, was also a focus.
Regulatory roles, policing, the NRM & trust
Looking at regulatory oversight moving forward, sessions assessed the role of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority in supporting the transition to the Fair Work Agency, as well as the role of financial and corporate regulators in scrutinising company practice, particularly in relation to company listings and maintaining investor confidence.
Policing approaches to modern slavery were examined, alongside the operation and effectiveness of the NRM - with recent Home Office statistics indicating the highest referrals to the NRM on record in 2025. Its impact on trust and reporting was discussed, as well as the effectiveness of decision-making, next steps for evidential thresholds and tackling delays, and how future priorities might be informed by more effective data collection and evaluation, alongside survivor perspectives.
Supply chains & public procurement
Further discussion examined issues around supply chains and procurement, including practical considerations and approaches to effective practice for public bodies - such as the NHS - in meeting new duties of identifying and mitigating slavery risks.
Approaches to addressing capacity constraints affecting local authorities and contracting authorities was also discussed, as well as priorities for putting in place consistent training, guidance, and funding to support compliance. Delegates assessed strategies for improving training and awareness among procurement teams, and the way forward for enforcement, accountability, and effective due diligence requirements.
High-risk sectors & international alignment
Issues for businesses in high-risk sectors - such as textiles, care, and construction - in demonstrating compliance with reporting requirements were considered, alongside questions around the voluntary nature of current guidance, and how stronger enforcement of non-compliance might be achieved.
The position of the UK amidst EU measures on due diligence and forced labour will also be assessed, as well as implications of regulatory divergence for trade access, competitiveness, and investor confidence.
As well as key stakeholders, those attending included a parliamentary pass-holder from the House of Commons and officials from the Department of Health and Social Care; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Business and Trade; Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Department for Education; HM Prison and Probation Service; HM Revenue and Customs; Care Quality Commission; National Crime Agency; Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; National Audit Office; Intellectual Property Office; Isle of Man Government; Ofcom; National Wealth Fund; Home Office; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
