Statement on Modern Slavery

At a recent meeting of the Diocesan Synod, the following statement on modern slavery was approved:

The Diocese of Worcester is committed to growing as Kingdom People. Our values of love, compassion, justice and freedom lead us to challenge unjust structures of society, violence of every kind and seek that all of God’s people have dignity, respect and freedom. We are therefore committed to ending modern slavery, and transparency in our arrangements regarding it.

The Financial affairs of the Diocese of Worcester are conducted by the Worcester Diocesan Board of Finance[1]. For the purposes of this document the Diocesan Board of Finance will be referred to as The Diocese of Worcester.

The Diocese of Worcester acknowledges its responsibility to comply with all principles of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the “Act”). This statement is made pursuant to section 54 of the Act and forms the Diocese of Worcester’s slavery and human trafficking statement and policy statement.

Our Supply Chain

The Act applies not only to the Diocese of Worcester employees but also to suppliers, sub-contractors and other business partners.  There is corporate commitment within The Diocese of Worcester to legal compliance, ethical standards and fundamental human rights. 

The Diocese of Worcester will not knowingly support or deal with any businesses involved in slavery or human trafficking. Procedures are in place aiming to minimize the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain and we encourage staff to report any concerns about modern slavery and child and forced labour.

We are assessing our supply chains and will remain vigilant in making decisions/collaborators by seeking confirmations and commitments as to the absence of these practices in their businesses.

We regularly review our procurement process and are in the process of developing specific measures and policies to ensure that our obligations under the Act are passed through our supply chain. 

A copy of this policy statement, a full copy of the Act and a simplified overview will be accessible to all employees electronically on the Diocese of Worcester’s Employee Handbook and made available to parishes on the Diocesan Website.  Should there be any questions or concerns as to the implementation of these requirements, please direct them to the Diocesan Secretary. If any staff are concerned that modern slavery or human trafficking is taking place in our business or supply chain they should raise their concerns to the Diocesan Secretary or immediate line manager.

This policy statement was approved by the Diocesan Synod in June 2022, and will be reviewed annually and published on the Diocese of Worcester’s website.

For help and advice on tackling modern slavery, please visit the Clewer Initiative's website.