Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Course content

1Introduction

The course begins by exploring what modern slavery is and why it remains a pressing issue both in the UK and globally. You’ll learn about the most common forms of exploitation, including forced labour, human trafficking, and other coercive practices, and gain insight into how these abuses can occur in workplaces, supply chains, and everyday life. You’ll read statistics explaining the scale of the problem and be given a thorough overview of modern slavery on a global and national scale.

This chapter introduces the National Referral Mechanism, a framework used in the UK to identify and support victims of modern slavery, and presents three real-life case studies to highlight the lived experiences of those affected.

Through a reflection exercise at the end of the chapter, you will begin to consider the impact of modern slavery.

2The Modern Slavery Act (2015)

This chapter provides an overview of the Modern Slavery Act (2015) and its role in tackling exploitation in the UK. You’ll explore the objectives of the Act, its key provisions, and how it sets expectations for organisations to understand and address modern slavery risks.

This chapter also explains the 2025 statutory guidance on the Modern Slavery Act, highlighting the six recommended categories for inclusion in an organisation’s annual statement, and the updated expectations for what these statements should demonstrate.

By understanding the purpose of the legislation and its practical implications, you will gain insight into how organisations can not only comply with the law but also take meaningful action to prevent, identify, and respond to modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.

3Identifying modern slavery – red flags

In this chapter, you will learn how to recognise the signs of modern slavery and understand what to do if you suspect someone may be at risk. Using clear examples of red flag behaviours, the course illustrates situations where exploitation might occur, both in the workplace and in wider supply chains.

Short scenarios are included throughout, introduced with “What would you do?”, to encourage reflection and practical thinking about how to respond responsibly and safely. By the end of this chapter, you will be more confident in identifying potential cases of modern slavery and taking appropriate steps to report and address them.

4How to prevent modern slavery

This chapter explores the steps individuals and organisations can take to prevent modern slavery and create safe, ethical workplaces. You’ll learn about personal responsibility and the role each employee plays, as well as corporate and professional responsibilities in fostering an environment where exploitation cannot thrive.

Key areas covered include:

• Recruitment practices that reduce the risk of exploitation, ensuring fair and transparent hiring

• Supply chain awareness, helping you understand how the goods and services you regularly use may be connected to modern slavery

• Policies, processes, and planning that embed prevention into everyday business operations

• The importance of training staff so that everyone in the organisation understands the risks, knows the red flags, and can act responsibly

By the end of this chapter, you will have gained a practical insight into how organisations can proactively prevent modern slavery, and how you can contribute to maintaining ethical, transparent practices in your role.

5How to report modern slavery

In this chapter, you’ll learn about the processes and channels available to report suspected modern slavery, both within your organisation and externally. The chapter explains the role of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and other relevant agencies, helping you understand how victims can access support and protection.

You’ll also explore whistleblowing, including what it is, why it is important, and how it allows individuals to raise concerns safely and responsibly. Guidance is provided on how to report suspicions effectively, ensuring that potential cases of exploitation are handled with care, discretion, and urgency.

By the end of this chapter, you will be equipped with the knowledge to recognise when action is needed and understand the steps to take to report modern slavery in a way that supports victims and helps prevent further harm.

6Assessment

The course concludes with a short assessment designed to reinforce your learning and test your understanding of modern slavery, its signs, prevention, and reporting procedures. A 70% pass rate is required to complete the course successfully, ensuring you have grasped the key concepts and practical steps covered throughout.

This assessment provides an opportunity to reflect on what you have learned and confirm your confidence in recognising and responding to potential cases of modern slavery.