Nominations for the Unseen Business Awards are now closed.
Stay in the loop about the Unseen Business Awards 2025
The Unseen Business Awards are judged by a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in combating modern slavery.
Their diverse backgrounds and proven track record ensure a rigorous and fair evaluation process, recognising the most impactful initiatives tackling this global issue.
All nominations will be assessed against four key criteria: commitment, collaboration, innovation and impact.
Read our judging guidelines for more information on what the judges will be looking for.
dr martin buttle
Better Work Lead, CCLA Investment Management
Martin joined CCLA Investment Management in 2022 to lead the Better Work pillar of CCLA’s sustainability strategy, this includes coordinating the ‘Find it, Fix it, Prevent it’ programme on Modern Slavery as well as broader engagements on Living Wage, Decent Work and Business and Human Rights. In this role he has published the first investor backed benchmark on corporate disclosures on modern slavery.
Previously, Martin was Head of Good Work at ShareAction and has over 18 years’ experience in labour and human rights across academia, consultancy, and the non-profit sector, working with the fashion, food, finance, and retail industries. He was the apparel and textiles lead at the Ethical Trading Initiative, running human rights programmes in India, Turkey, and the UK. He has served on several international advisory groups, including the OECD’s Garment and Footwear Due Diligence Guidance, the UK Sustainable Clothing Action Plan, and the Business Commission to Tackle Inequality Working Group. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham on ethical finance in the social economy.
Sonja Duncan
CEO, SD Strategies Pty Ltd
Sonja is a passionate advocate for human rights and sustainability in business, with 30 years’ experience across environmental, social impact and modern slavery risk management. As CEO and founder of SD Strategies, she has worked with SMEs and multinationals across diverse industry sectors to embed the UN Guiding Principles and drive real-world change for vulnerable people in supply chains. Sonja has led audits, consultations and training across Australasia, including Laos, PNG and the Philippines. With expertise in sustainable supply chains, she empowers businesses to identify risks, close gaps and lead with integrity. Sonja holds a Master of Laws, a Master of Environmental Management, and postgraduate qualifications in sustainability.
shaun sawyer
Unseen Trustee
Shaun is an experienced leader with over 10 years as a Chief Constable and CEO, specialising in combatting modern slavery, organized crime, and counter-terrorism. As Chair of the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Performance Coordination Committee, and the National Crime Agency Modern Slavery Threat Group, Shaun has led national efforts to address these challenges. He also serves as NPCC Lead for Organised Immigration Crime and Modern Slavery. A strong advocate for youth development and community-based diversion programs, Shaun brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to justice to Unseen.
survivor consultant (anonymous)
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot share the identity or image of our Survivor Consultant.
As someone with lived experience of modern slavery, their voice plays a critical role in shaping the judging process. Their invaluable insights ensure that the perspectives and needs of those most affected remain at the heart of the Unseen Business Awards. This is part of Unseen’s ongoing commitment to survivor empowerment, inclusion, and meaningful participation in the anti-slavery movement.
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nominate your business now
Want to showcase your impact in the fight against modern slavery? Nominate your organisation for the 2025 Unseen Business Awards. Deadline 30 June 23.59pm BST.
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about us
Our mission is simple: to put an end to slavery for good. We do this by supporting survivors of modern slavery and trafficking and working collaboratively with our partners to put an end to exploitation.
our impact
Since Unseen began in 2008, we’ve supported over 800 survivors of modern slavery through our safehouse and outreach services and identified over 30,000 potential victims through our Helpline.
business services
Join a growing community of leaders taking action against worker exploitation. We tailor our approach to your specific needs, whether you’re taking your first steps or refining existing initiatives.
