Greater Manchester Modern Slavery Business Network Re-launch

Stronger Together was delighted to be one of the collaborating organisations involved with re-launching the Greater Manchester Modern Slavery Business Network on the 25^th June.

The purpose of the Network is to provide an opportunity for businesses based in, or with a connection to, the Greater Manchester region to work together and support each other in tackling modern slavery. This was the first meeting of the Network since 2022, and was a key opportunity to gauge local businesses’ commitment to re-starting the Network, as well as to share insights and future collaborative opportunities.

The event was hosted by DiSH (Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub), and 40 delegates joined from multiple organisations, sectors and sizes: from SMEs to major brands as well as fellow collaborators. These were; The Growth Company, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, The Co-op, University of Manchester and Causeway.

The day featured a varied agenda, covering;

• Policy updates from Stronger Together Co-CEO Hannah Newcomb
• Local and national intelligence from Sian Payne from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Perspectives from a previous network member Matt Richardson from The Growth Company,
• Top tips on modern slavery prevention from Stronger Together’s UK and ROI Programme Manager Anna Norgett
• A case study on modern slavery due diligence from Jess Garratt at the Co-op.

It was a critical time for reflection and discussion, with attendees sharing challenges and best practices, considering opportunities to sustain the future network. For those who attended, it was an excellent opportunity to learn directly from experts, hear local insights and intelligence reports, as well as take part in cross-section discussions. 

The key actions for delegates following the first Network meeting included engaging with suppliers and business partners to get involved, sharing the insights and intelligence they’ve learnt with team members and focusing on potential modern slavery risks both within the business and with external suppliers.

Below are the links to resources and support available that were mentioned at the event:

• Stronger Together’s free-to-download resources including:
  • Animation on identifying signs of labour exploitation
  • Multi-language worker information posters
  • Good Practice Implementation Checklists for UK employers and labour providers
• Stronger Together training on Tackling Modern Slavery in Business – UK and ROI – with free places available to businesses supplying Stronger Together Sponsors.
• Just Good Work worker information app
• Bright Future Co-operative – which provides work placements to survivors of modern slavery
• Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

After this successful event, we’re already looking ahead to plan and discuss the next steps for the Network. If you’re keen to find out more, or get involved, email info@stronger2gether.org.

Tags: modern slavery, collaboration, Greater Manchester, Networking opportunities

Categorised in: Events, Collaboration and Partnerships