Modern slavery statement
Modern slavery is a serious crime where people are exploited for someone else's benefit. It can include:
- forced work
- human trafficking
- domestic servitude
- criminal exploitation
- sexual exploitation
We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking.
We are committed to preventing exploitation, supporting victims and working with partners to identify and disrupt modern slavery in our city. This includes action across our services, our partnerships, our contractors and our supply chains.
What we are doing
- regularly reviewing our policies and procedures to help prevent modern slavery
- maintaining safer recruitment checks for employees
- using procurement and contract management processes to help ensure suppliers meet anti modern slavery requirements
- strengthening internal partnerships through a Modern Slavery Working Group
- working with safeguarding, community safety, local charities and regional anti-slavery partnerships
- supporting staff training and awareness on recognising and reporting signs of exploitation
Areas where risks may exist
We recognise that some people can be more vulnerable to exploitation, including people experiencing:
- homelessness
- poverty
- social exclusion
- domestic abuse
- mental ill health
- substance misuse
Modern slavery can take many forms and may happen in areas such as:
- hospitality
- food delivery
- construction
- car washes
- beauty services
- criminal exploitation
- online exploitation
Our priorities for the year ahead
We will continue to:
- strengthen our approach to preventing modern slavery
- improve staff awareness and training
- strengthen partnership working
- improve data collection and monitoring
- strengthen checks on suppliers and contracts
- increase public awareness of modern slavery and exploitation
Read the full statement
For full details of our work, policies and commitments, please read the full modern slavery statement 2025 to 2026 (PDF).