While we may envision slavery as a chapter in the past, the truth is that it continues to thrive in our modern societies, hidden in plain sight. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 40.3 million people were victims of modern slavery in 2016. This includes forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of exploitation. Shockingly, many of these victims are trapped within industries that most of us encounter daily, unaware of the grim reality they face.

In the relentless battle against modern slavery, Unseen has emerged as a beacon of hope and a force for change. Unseen is a modern slavery charity dedicated to tackling the complexities of this heinous crime and providing practical solutions to support its victims. Through their unwavering commitment and innovative approach, Unseen has become a leading organisation in the fight against modern slavery.

We met with Lucy Mann, Senior Business Sales Manager at Unseen, who gave us insight to their multi-faceted approach to supporting victims of modern slavery, as well as some information about their new Construction and Finance Hubs, which aim to address the specific challenges related to modern slavery within the construction and finance industries.

Unseen’s Approach

Unseen’s approach combines victim support, helpline services, collaboration, education and advocacy, and research to tackle modern slavery in a holistic way. By addressing both the immediate needs of the survivors of modern slavery, and the systemic issues which perpetuate the exploitation of vulnerable people, Unseen can bring about lasting change and work towards a goal of eradicating slavery in our society.

Survivor Support

Unseen is committed to providing comprehensive support to survivors of modern slavery, as they recognise that survivors require immediate and long-term care to rebuild their lives. They support through offering safe housing, access to healthcare, counselling, legal support, and assistance in accessing education and employment opportunities. By addressing survivors' physical, emotional, and practical needs, Unseen empowers them to regain their independence and lead fulfilling lives.

Prevention

Preventing modern slavery is crucial in tackling the root causes of this crime. Unseen run various awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and training for professionals working in high-risk sectors, such as construction, agriculture and farming, finance and hospitality. By raising awareness and equipping individuals and organisations with the knowledge to recognise the signs of exploitation, Unseen aims to prevent vulnerable people from falling victim to modern slavery.

Partnerships

Collaboration and partnerships are vital combating modern slavery effectively, and Unseen works closely with law enforcement agencies, governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals to create a united front against slavery. Through partnerships, Unseen shares expertise, resources, and intelligence, improving identification, reporting, and response mechanisms to combat modern slavery more efficiently.

Advocacy

Unseen actively engages in advocacy efforts to influence policy and legislation surrounding modern slavery, working with governments, policymakers, and international organisations to raise awareness, promote stronger legislation, and improve protections for victims. By advocating for systemic change, Unseen aims to create an environment where modern slavery is no longer tolerated and where survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.

Business Engagement

Businesses play a vital role in tackling modern slavery within supply chains. And Unseen provide a range of services to help organisations identify, prevent, and respond to modern slavery risks. This includes training programmes, consultancy services, and resources to build transparency, accountability, and ethical practices. Unseen's engagement with businesses aims to create an environment where responsible practices and respect for human rights are embedded in every aspect of their operations.

The Unseen Business Hub

Are you a member of Unseen’s Business Hub? If not, it might be time for a rethink.

There are many benefits to joining Unseen’s Business Hub and being part of a community of likeminded organisations committed to tackling worker exploitation.

Unseen helps Hub members become more resilient to the risks of modern slavery, supporting you to continuously improve your approach to mitigating potential exploitation, not only in your own business but right through your supply chains.

The Hub also provides a confidential space for collaboration and sharing of good practice. And by becoming a member of the Hub, you will have exclusive access to Unseen’s industry hubs, including the construction and the finance hub, which run quarterly.

The Construction Hub

Unseen's Construction Hub focuses on combating modern slavery within the construction industry, recognising that exploitation often occurs in this sector. The Construction Hub works collaboratively with industry partners (contractors, developers, and supply chains) to address the specific challenges related to modern slavery in construction.

1. Awareness and Training

   The Construction Hub raises awareness among construction industry professionals about the signs of exploitation and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable workers. They provide training to equip workers with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to modern slavery risks.

2. Collaboration and Partnerships

   Unseen actively collaborates with industry stakeholders to develop and implement robust safeguarding measures. They work closely with construction companies to improve recruitment practices, supply chain transparency, and ethical standards.

3. Reporting Mechanisms

   The Hub assists construction companies in establishing effective reporting mechanisms for suspected cases of modern slavery, and provides guidance on reporting procedures, ensuring that concerns are addressed appropriately, and potential victims are supported.

4.  Supply Chain Audits

   Unseen conducts supply chain audits to identify vulnerabilities and risks of exploitation within construction supply chains. They work with companies to assess their supply chains, raise awareness about modern slavery risks, and implement measures to mitigate those risks.

The Finance Hub

Unseen's Finance Hub focuses on eradicating modern slavery within the financial sector, recognising the crucial role of financial institutions in disrupting the flow of funds associated with slavery. Through partnerships with financial institutions and regulatory bodies, they work to identify and disrupt the flow of illicit funds associated with slavery. By developing tools and sharing intelligence, Unseen aims to make it increasingly difficult for criminal networks to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The Finance Hub also raises awareness among financial professionals, enabling them to recognise and report suspicious activities.

1. Awareness and Training

Unseen provides training programs and resources to educate financial professionals about the indicators of modern slavery and how to identify and report suspicious financial activities. They raise awareness about the role the financial sector can play in combatting modern slavery.

2. Partnerships with Financial Institutions

The Finance Hub collaborates with financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and disrupt the financial networks that enable modern slavery. By working together, they aim to detect and prevent illicit financial activities related to exploitation.

3. Tools and Guidance

The Finance Hub develops tools and guidance to help financial institutions strengthen their due diligence processes and identify potential red flags associated with modern slavery. They offer support in implementing robust risk management strategies to prevent funds from flowing through illicit channels.

4. Policy Engagement

Unseen engages with policymakers and regulatory bodies to advocate for stronger regulations and policies that address the financial aspects of modern slavery. They work to ensure that the financial sector is equipped with the necessary tools and frameworks to tackle this crime effectively.

Both the Construction and the Finance Hubs exemplify Unseen’s sector-specific approach, recognising the unique challenges faced by these industries in combating modern slavery.

How can we help?

At Samtaler, we understand the importance of your social value commitment. You’re here because you care about your business's impact on society and want to be better. We want you to succeed, and we know from experience that achieving social value requires skill, strategy, and support.

To find out how we can help, send an email to hello@samtaler.co.uk

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