One of the UK’s leading authorities on modern slavery is to address Leicestershire directors next month.
Justine Currell, executive director of anti-slavery charity Unseen, will be the special guest of IoD Leicestershire and South East Midlands on 7 April. The event is free to attend for everyone and will be hosted online, starting at 11am.
Unseen estimates that around 40 million people worldwide are in modern slavery. The UK has around 10,000 people in modern slavery, according to the Government.
Justine will outline her work with Leicestershire City Council to raise awareness of modern slavery issues, particularly within the textiles and fashion sectors.
She was instrumental in the Modern Slavery Act getting through Parliament and has worked closely with local authorities to raise awareness of abuse and exploitation by businesses and within supply chains. Under the Act, certain commercial organisations must publish an annual statement setting out the steps they take to prevent modern slavery in their business and their supply chains.
Justine joined Unseen in 2016 following a 28-year career in the Civil Service, culminating in leading the human trafficking agenda at the Home Office.
She will be joined at the event by Dr Roger Barker, IoD head of policy and governance, who will outline the Institute’s position on modern slavery.
Sarah Canning, chair, IoD Leicestershire and South East Midlands, said: “It is incumbent on all of us to be watchful for the appalling crimes of slavery and exploitation. As the leading organisation for directors, we want to amplify the excellent work being done but also provide business leaders with the latest information so they can consider their own positions, supply chains and employees.”
