Collaborative Groups

Twenty utility organisations are members. Collectively, they employ more than 100,000 people with a supply chain spend in the region of £15bn. Their varied workforce carry out tasks ranging from complex engineering to more basic activities such as excavation and material distribution, so they are uniquely positioned to identify potential acts of modern slavery and take action.

Utilities Against Slavery is chaired by Gary Booth, formerly a Detective Chief Inspector with West Midlands Police. Gary has been involved in the rescue of more than 300 victims of modern slavery. He also led the Hope for Justice West Midlands Hub investigative team during the Operation Fort investigation, which brought down a major trafficking ring in the largest modern slavery prosecution in UK history.

Recent projects include:

• Developing and delivering training sessions in collaboration with Supply Chain Sustainability School to 500+ colleagues and suppliers.
• Creating a high quality pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) to be used across members’ various procurement platforms for effective due diligence.
• Developing a common approach to working with suppliers to support risk management.
• Supporting submissions to the UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry.