The Department of Health and Social Care has proposed new measures that will require public agencies procuring goods and/or services for the NHS, to identify and reduce risks of modern slavery.
A public consult, launched today (21 Nov 2024), seeks views on government proposals aimed at preventing goods from being sourced by companies accused of exploitation their workers.
Recent findings found that more than 21% NHS suppliers are at “high-risk” of modern slavery being involved in their supply chain. The five most high-risk products were surgical instruments, gloves and uniforms.
The public sector will have to work closely with their suppliers to identify and address risks. All public organisations that purchase health products and services will be subject to the new regulations, including NHS trusts and integrated care boards.
Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary said: “The NHS was built on values of compassion and equality. These are antithetical to modern slavery’s heinous crime.
These new measures will ensure that vital checks are done and public institutions act to stamp out crimes such as slavery and human traficking. This government will make sure the NHS is at the forefront of the fight against slavery.
Staff training courses are available to encourage staff members to report incidents of human trafficking and slavery. The NHS is also the largest public procurer.
The Modern Slavery Act of 2015 made the UK the first country that required organisations to report publicly on their efforts to prevent slavery in operations and supply chain.
Jacqui rock, chief commercial officer at NHS England, stated: “Modern sexism is insidious, and it needs to be eliminated from the NHS supply chains. Our procurement is based on the standard selection questionaire of the government, which includes a section that addresses modern slavery risks. However, we can do more.
The more people who respond to the consultation, the stronger these measures will be and the easier it will be to eradicate modern slavery from the NHS supply chain.
Public bodies, suppliers and trade associations as well as interest groups, patients, and the general public are invited to submit their views on the proposals by 13 February 2025. The new regulations will only apply in England.
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