The Unseen Business Awards 2024 celebrate businesses and individuals demonstrating outstanding leadership in combating modern slavery.
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the awards! We had so many excellent nominees and are delighted to announce the shortlist for each category. Check them out below.
Business Impact Award Shortlist
This category celebrates businesses leading the way in preventing and addressing modern slavery within their operations and supply chains.
Tony’s Open Chain stands out for their innovative approach to combating modern slavery in the cocoa industry. Their comprehensive Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System covers 100% of their supply chain, ensuring effective monitoring and remediation of child labour. They actively collaborate with NGOs like the International Cocoa Initiative, labour-rights organisation Verité and government agencies like the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations in Ghana to strengthen their practices. Tony’s Open Chain also leverages technology and survivor experiences to create a community-driven approach for long-term impact.
Aldi’s commitment to ethical sourcing and combating modern slavery is evident in their comprehensive approach. For example, they’ve established a Modern Slavery Escalation Process for reporting and investigating potential incidents. They’ve also conducted assessments in highly vulnerable sectors like construction and agriculture, identifying specific risks and implementing targeted measures. One such measure is their collaboration with anti-slavery NGOs like Slave-Free Alliance to develop training programmes for colleagues on identifying potential issues.
As a B-Corp certified company, Ground Control demonstrates a strategic approach to tackling modern slavery. They’ve established a Modern Slavery Working Group to oversee their efforts and ensure accountability as part of their anti-slavery strategy. Their commitment to training is evident in their high completion rates, reaching 87%. They’ve also implemented innovative technology solutions like Skillko to enhance compliance management and risk prevention They’ve collaborated with major suppliers and industry partners to ensure ethical practices throughout their supply chain.
VGC Group‘s leadership in tackling modern slavery within the construction sector is commendable. Their senior leadership actively collaborates with industry bodies like the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). They’ve implemented robust recruitment processes with ID verification and pre-vetted workers. VGC also utilise technology for transparent payment practices, communication of modern slavery risks, and awareness campaigns. VGC’s commitment to ethical practices is evident in their industry-leading accreditations, such as CHAS Social Sustainability.
Manumit Coffee Roasters’ unique business model directly benefits survivors of modern slavery. They provide employment and training to survivors, ensuring they have the skills and support to rebuild their lives. Their commitment to ethical sourcing is evident in their direct trade relationships and rigorous monitoring of their supply chain. Manumit’s leadership inspires others in the coffee industry to adopt similar practices, demonstrating the power of ethical business models to create lasting change.
Innovation Award Shortlist
This category recognises groundbreaking approaches to identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.
Bright Future Co-operative is a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering and upskilling survivors of modern slavery by providing safe employment opportunities. In 2024, they launched the UK’s first job website specifically for survivors, providing a safe and accessible platform for finding fair and non-competitive employment. Since 2022, Bright Future has successfully placed 16 candidates in safe jobs, with an impressive 88% acceptance rate. Such opportunities reduce the risk of re-exploitation and enable them to reach sustainable independence. Over the next 12 months, they aim to expand their operations to Scotland to increase their impact.
Bright Future collaborates with 23 charities and 12 reputable businesses, including Morrisons, Currys, The Co-op Group, and Causeway. They provide training and support to businesses to enhance their understanding of modern slavery and implement strategies to address risks within their operations.
Nominated by construction company Careys Group, Nutral Solutions Ltd has been a game-changer in Careys’ fight against modern slavery. Their innovative technology has enabled Careys to gain a complete overview of their labor supply chain, including sub-tier agencies and umbrella companies.
Nutral’s audit and compliance programme, dedicated training academy, and worker wellbeing interviews have led to tangible results achieved by Careys. For example, the implementation of Nutral’s technology has led to a 40% increase in audit performance, demonstrating enhanced compliance and risk management. Additionally, Nutral’s integrated technology has ensured accurate settlement of worker hours and agency invoices, reducing the risk of unknown labor providers entering Careys’ operations.
Furthermore, Nutral’s collaborative approach has fostered best practices within the industry. Through their annual forum, Careys and other industry peers have shared challenges and solutions, driving collective action against modern slavery.
RedCompass Labs has revolutionised the fight against modern slavery with their innovative RedFlag Accelerator. This AI-powered solution empowers financial institutions to detect, investigate, and disrupt the financial underpinnings of human trafficking and other crimes.
The RedFlag Accelerator is a powerful tool that identifies financial behaviours associated with human trafficking using advanced persona-based typologies. It provides a comprehensive toolkit for investigation, analysis, and disruption, empowering financial institutions to combat these crimes effectively. The tool has been adopted by over 60 banks worldwide, demonstrating its global impact. Moreover, RedCompass Labs’ collaboration with organisations like the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children has strengthened its capabilities and expanded its reach, solidifying its position as a leading solution in the fight against modern slavery.
The RedFlag Accelerator goes beyond human trafficking, addressing a broader range of financial crimes. Its ability to adapt to evolving threats and leverage diverse data sets makes it a powerful tool in the fight against exploitation.
Partnership Award Shortlist
This category honours businesses excelling in collaborative efforts against modern slavery.
Sodexo, a leading catering and facilities management company, is a driving force in combating modern slavery. Sodexo’s representative, Madeline Fitton, founded and co-chairs the Business Services Association Modern Slavery Council, a consortium of major businesses in the facility management, construction, and professional services sectors.
This council has created a widely praised Modern Slavery Toolkit and is developing a Frontline Worker Training Pack with support from the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons. Sodexo is also spearheading the Ireland Modern Slavery Council and participates in the British Standards Institute’s Human Rights Due Diligence Committee
Sodexo is co-founding “Business Against Modern Slavery,” a UK-wide collaborative with companies across all sectors. Through these initiatives, Sodexo is actively shaping industry standards, raising awareness, and driving tangible change in the fight against modern slavery.
Goodman Logistics has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating modern slavery within its supply chain. Over the past two years, the company has partnered with Unseen to deliver bespoke training to high-risk suppliers.
Through these training sessions, Goodman has empowered its park management companies and general contractors to identify and address potential risks of modern slavery. Key actions taken include widening the scope of site reviews, establishing a direct line of communication with Unseen, strengthening verification requirements, and proactively reaching out to individuals with fraudulent identification.
Goodman’s collaboration with Unseen has been a positive and innovative step within the Group. By providing training and support, Goodman has strengthened its commitment to ethical practices and demonstrated leadership in the fight against modern slavery.
Over the past year, Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) has made significant strides in combating modern slavery within the construction industry. By partnering with seven major construction companies and the anti-slavery charity Unseen, LBG has taken a proactive approach to addressing this pressing issue.
Following comprehensive risk assessments on these partners, LBG organised a virtual discussion to explore the prevalence of modern slavery. In response, LBG partnered with our Business Services to conduct worker wellbeing visits on one of its construction sites, identifying and addressing potential exploitation.
To further strengthen its anti-slavery efforts, LBG incorporated modern slavery into its regular business reviews with suppliers. By challenging noncompliance and driving improvements, LBG has ensured that its partners are held accountable for their ethical practices. Additionally, LBG has provided direct support to suppliers in developing anti-slavery statements and conducting risk assessments, empowering them to take ownership of their role in eradicating modern slavery.
Verisio, a leading ESG risk management firm, has been instrumental in transforming supply chain transparency and sustainability. Partnering with renowned global brands like Dunelm, White Stuff, and Travis Perkins Group, Verisio provides comprehensive solutions to mitigate modern slavery risks and improve working conditions.
Through risk assessments, virtual discussions, and on-site visits, Verisio has identified and addressed a range of issues, including excessive working hours, unsafe conditions, and child labor. For example, Verisio helped a homeware retailer map its cotton supply chain, uncovering and rectifying human rights violations.
Verisio’s Optimus platform empowers suppliers with a user-friendly Corrective Action Plan, facilitating transparent and efficient issue resolution. The company’s whistleblowing and worker voice service also fosters a culture of trust by allowing stakeholders to anonymously report concerns.
Verisio has helped clients reduce high-risk sites by 18% while increasing low-risk sites by 28%, driven by its dedication to engagement, education, and rigorous root cause analysis.
Individual Impact Award Shortlist
This category recognises outstanding individuals tackling modern slavery within their organisation’s operations and supply chains.
Euan is a Lead Consultant at Value Match and leads the company’s counter-slavery approach. He has developed varied experience within the field of human rights and modern slavery due diligence, having previously worked with organisations like STOP THE TRAFFIK and the Mekong Club. Euan has provided practical solutions for the hospitality, manufacturing, tech, and financial sectors across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Across his clients, Euan has conducted research into modern slavery and human rights risks in various jurisdictions and sectors, providing him a keen eye for uncovering driving factors for exploitation and solutions to them.
Beyond his Value Match responsibilities, Euan also co-founded and ran the Sustainability Networking Platform, an interdisciplinary forum for sustainability practitioners with a special emphasis on accessibility for youth.
His passion for human rights continually drives him to collaborate, try new approaches, and drive change in the business and human rights arena.
Claire Martin, a modern slavery champion, has transformed global construction company ISG‘s anti-slavery approach. She leads initiatives within the Business Services Association Modern Slavery Council and collaborates with external organisations like Unseen and Stronger Together, as well as internal teams, to drive change.
Claire’s training programmes have equipped ISG employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and address modern slavery risks. She has also developed a Modern Slavery Project Pack providing essential tools and resources for operational teams. Additionally, she created a pre-induction animation to educate employees and subcontractors about modern slavery risks.
She has successfully conducted investigations into potential modern slavery cases, collaborating with the Home Office and ensuring thorough due diligence. Her efforts have contributed to a culture of transparency and accountability within ISG and its supply chain.
Karolina has been instrumental in driving Thales UK‘s progress in combating modern slavery. Since taking on the management of the modern slavery improvement programme in July 2023, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and expertise.
Under Karolina’s leadership, Thales UK has implemented a comprehensive improvement plan to address modern slavery risks within its supply chain. This plan included a pilot programme to evaluate forced labour risks and a broader rollout of enhanced risk assessment and mitigation measures.
Additionally, she established a Modern Slavery Working Group to drive improvements and ensure consistency across the supply chain. Karolina has also led the delivery of modern slavery training to high-risk suppliers. This training has helped to raise awareness and improve practices within the supply chain.
Karolina’s efforts have resulted in significant progress. Thales UK has increased its Modern Slavery Assessment (MSAT) score from 55% in 2021 to 77% in 2023.
Unseen Star of the Year Award Shortlist
A personal award, presented by Unseen, to an individual demonstrating exceptional support for the anti-slavery sector. This award is chosen internally by Unseen and its trustees.
Nishma has been instrumental in advancing Legal & General‘s modern slavery initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in developing the company’s modern slavery KPIs and championing transparency within the latest modern slavery statement. Her dedication to addressing this critical challenge has set a positive example for the finance sector, paving the way for others to follow.
Nishma has also been a key contributor to the Unseen Finance Hub, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the industry. Her commitment to raising awareness of modern slavery has led to the delivery of comprehensive training programmes for both internal teams and external partners, empowering individuals to identify and address potential concerns.
Unseen is proud to have Legal & General as a valued partner in our Business Hub and looks forward to continuing our collaboration on impactful initiatives that combat modern slavery.
Claire has been a driving force behind Ground Control‘s modern slavery initiatives. Since partnering with Unseen, she has taken a proactive approach, engaging with senior leadership to enhance the company’s processes across all areas of the business.
Claire led the development of a labour risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities within Ground Control’s subcontractor teams. She also oversaw the implementation of a new external whistleblowing provider, a critical component of the company’s escalation and remediation processes.
Claire’s contributions extend beyond internal operations. She authored Ground Control’s 2023 Modern Slavery Strategy, a significant improvement over the previous year. Additionally, she shared her personal experience of witnessing child labour while traveling abroad, offering valuable insights into the human cost of modern slavery.
Elizabeth, Charmaine, and Lisa from Luton Borough Council have been instrumental in leading a comprehensive review of the council’s modern slavery approach within the care sector. Working collaboratively with Unseen, the team has identified and addressed key vulnerabilities, leveraging real-life case studies to develop effective strategies.
To combat exploitation in the care sector, the team has focused on updating procurement processes, enhancing internal knowledge, providing resources for care providers, and sharing best practices across the region. Their dedication and passion have driven a proactive and thoughtful approach, ensuring that the council’s initiatives will make a meaningful impact on the lives of potential victims.
Astrid Leuba has been a driving force in advancing Cancer Research UK’s (CRUK) modern slavery due diligence. Over the past year, she has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive training programme and leveraged the organisation’s Modern Slavery Working Group to drive positive change.
With Unseen’s support, Astrid has led efforts to review and enhance key procedures and metrics, ensuring that CRUK’s approach to modern slavery remains effective. Her powerful advocacy for corporate responsibility has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s roadmap for continuous improvement.
The shortlists will be scored by an expert judging panel and the winners announced at the Unseen Business Awards ceremony on Thursday 19 September.
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