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Modern slavery

It is estimated there are more than 40 million people in the world living in conditions of slavery or working under forced or compulsory conditions. In the UK, thousands of cases are reported each year, and authorities estimate there are well over 100,000 victims living in the country.

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How chartered accountants can counter modern slavery
Thousands of people are forced into some form of slavery each year in the UK. Chartered accountants have a powerful role to play in stopping this.

Latest articles

Modern slavery signs that accountants are well placed to spot
  • Article
  • 30 Jul 2024
Businesses are increasingly raising concerns of modern slavery and recognising risks in their supply chains. Which red flags must accountants be particularly alert to?
The role of ethics within AI to combat modern slavery
  • Article
  • 05 Jul 2024
We complete our iEARTHS miniseries journey through an ethical lens. The ethical risks and challenges are real and require thoughtful reflection to protect what really matters: vulnerable individuals.
Diving deeper into the data for combating modern slavery
  • Article
  • 26 Jun 2024
The challenges around understanding what the data does or doesn’t tell us is a major factor in making AI work effectively. In the latest in his series, David Wray looks at getting data right and how causal AI might aid in offering decision-useful options.
Combating modern slavery: when Gen AI isn't enough
  • Article
  • 20 Jun 2024
Following his introduction to the iEARTHS’ artificial intelligence (AI) solution, David Wray discusses why causal AI was chosen over generative AI and how the team tackled bias and hallucinations.
How we applied AI to combat modern slavery
  • Article
  • 10 Jun 2024
The iEARTHS project is a causal AI system designed to tackle modern slavery. David Wray, ICAEW member and one of its creators, explains the considerations that went into its development.
How accountants can help refugees and combat modern slavery
  • Article
  • 06 Jan 2023
ICAEW member Sarah Crowhurst volunteers helping refugees in Greece, providing support to those forced into prostitution. She explains why, and how accountants can help.
What makes a good modern slavery statement?
  • Article
  • 11 Jul 2022
Modern slavery is still all too common in the UK, with 10,613 potential victims identified in 2020. The modern slavery statement is designed to improve transparency and vigilance within businesses and their supply chains.
How do we improve modern slavery reporting?
  • Article
  • 27 Jun 2022
Around one in 10 British companies do not provide a modern slavery statement. Why aren’t organisations taking the problem seriously?
Read more

Understanding modern slavery

Modern Slavery Act 2015
This page is an introduction to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 providing background to its introduction, some key definitions and a list of useful links.
Spotting modern slavery
Resources to help accountants and other finance professionals spot indicators of modern slavery in their business, their supply chains and clients' businesses and supply chains.
The role of accountants, auditors and business
The role that accountants and auditors play in working to mitigate the risk that large commercial organisations face as a result of the Modern Slavery Act's requirement to annually report on the risk of modern slavery in their business and supply chains.

Podcast

How do we tackle domestic modern slavery?

This podcast looks at the issue of domestic modern slavery, and how authorities and prosecutors look to build a case under the Modern Slavery Act.
Listen now
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Further resources

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All Too Familiar ™

All Too Familiar is ICAEW’s third training film. It explores the degree of trust still placed in personal and professional relationships and whether trust is enough in the fight against economic crime.

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Trust and ethics

Guidance and resources on key issues, including economic crime, business law, better regulation and ethics. Read through ICAEW’s Code of Ethics and supporting information.

Browse resources
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Economic crime

Access guidance, resources and tools relating to the prevention of economic crime, including legislative developments, anti-money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, and modern slavery.

See more