Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust is committed to preventing modern slavery, forced labour, servitude and human trafficking within its workforce, operations, and supply chains. The Trust adopts a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and expects the same high standards from suppliers’ contractors and partners.
The Trust complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025 and relevant NHS guidance to ensure transparency and responsible business practices . Governance oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, supported by Procurement, Workforce, Safeguarding and Governance functions
Modern slavery risks are considered within recruitment practices, temporary staffing arrangements, international recruitment activity and the procurement of goods and services. The Trust undertakes proportionate through supplier assurance processes, use of NHS procurement frameworks, contractual requirements, and risk-based procurement reviews.
The Trust maintains safeguarding arrangements to identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable to exploitation or human trafficking and provides staff with training and awareness to support early identification and reporting of concerns. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns through established speaking up, safeguarding and workforce processes.