Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: October 20, 2025

Purpose:

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.