The construction industry is one of four sectors singled out as at risk of discovering slavery in its supply chains due to its many layers of subcontracting. It's less likely if modern slavery is found in supply chains, but when. Ahead of the Responsible & Ethical Leadership for Global Construction Supply Chains Conference (https://www.bregroup.com/conferences/responsible-ethical-leadership/) at Aviva HQ in London, three guests passionately explain why responsible sourcing of materials, goods and labour is important in the construction industry. This podcast is recorded in collaboration with BRE (https://www.bregroup.com/) and Sustain Worldwide (http://www.sustainworldwide.com/). Together the panel discusses the importance of walking the supply chain to witness what is really happening on the ground. Actually seeing the conditions and talking to contractors, and workers is one of the best ways to prevent modern slavery cases. It’s not just a case of policing the issue, fellow workers need to know what the signs are and be able to report it effectively without feeling under threat themselves. “Education is key and empowers people to act” says Alice Hands, strategic procurement manager at the building and civil engineering company, Sir Robert McAlpine. “Ethics doesn’t actually cost money” says Chris Harrop, director of sustainability at Marshalls plc. This exercise may appear costly in an industry that often feels it needs to cut corners to save money but better working conditions actually increases productivity. As Danny Hobson, head of ethics and sustainability at Arco puts it, “An ethical supply chain gives you good quality as well” Presenter: Juliet Spare Music © Tim Stacy (http://timstacymusic.com/) Recorded at The Sound Company Studios CONFERENCE https://www.bregroup.com/conferences/responsible-ethical-leadership/ SUSTAIN WORLDWIDE http://www.sustainworldwide.com/ BRE GROUP https://www.bregroup.com/

Modern Slavery Stories

The fight against Modern Slavery in construction

This first episode is recorded live inside the Senior Common Room at St Mary’s University in Twickenham where Juliet Spare is studying a Masters in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime (https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses-london/human-trafficking). 'For many survivors, having a job is a key aspect of recovery, providing a sense of dignity and belonging' (Murphy, 2018). Podcast guests sharing their expertise include: Dr. Carole Murphy, Deputy Director of the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery, who discusses the results and testimonies from her report 'A Game Of Chance: Long Term Support for Survivors of Modern Slavery (https://www.stmarys.ac.uk/research/centres/modern-slavery/game-of-chance.aspx)' and reveals the creation of a new summer school at St. Mary's University for survivors. Alison Scowen, Senior Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager for the Co-op discusses the implementation of the company's Bright Future Programme (https://www.co-operative.coop/ethics/bright-future) offering employment to survivors of modern slavery. And Colleen Theron, CEO Ardea International (https://www.ardeainternational.com/) a sustainability, business and human rights consultancy firm with expertise in modern slavery, shares her passion for change and the importance for robust legislation. Presenter: Juliet Spare Producer: Fallon Parker Music © Tim Stacy (http://timstacymusic.com/)

Survivors, Solutions & Section 54

Juliet Spare is an award-winning broadcast journalist currently studying for a Master's degree in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime at St. Mary's University Twickenham. In this podcast, Juliet talks to leaders, thinkers, survivors and eye-witnesses to modern slavery, empathetically discussing issues to encourage more businesses to listen and seek solutions.

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The fight against Modern Slavery in construction

Survivors, Solutions & Section 54