10 Voices, 10 Strategies: Empowering change: Education, responsibility, and action against modern slavery

Featuring Justine Carter, Executive  Director at Unseen.

I used to be a Senior Policy Advisor at the Home Office, and I’m amazed that we’re approaching the ten-year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act—an area very close to my heart. I moved to Unseen and have since worked with businesses of all sizes across various sectors.

The importance of education

For me, education remains a top priority. We still have far too many people who don’t fully understand what modern slavery is or how it manifests. If we don’t grasp the problem, how can we tackle it? Consistently providing information, training, and education is absolutely essential. We need to keep up with changing criminal behaviours—never stand still.

Clear responsibility and communication

It’s important to ensure everyone knows who’s ultimately responsible within a business. Clear ownership, reporting, and escalation routes are critical and should be communicated effectively. Additionally, we need to develop multifaceted partnerships with those who can support businesses now and in the future.

Internal engagement and constructive dialogue

At Unseen, we’ve seen great outcomes when team members participate in internal working groups and maintain constructive dialogues with partners, suppliers, and subcontractors. Let’s not forget that the risks span across the entire supply chain. It’s also essential to work with those who are genuinely committed to making a difference. We talk at Unseen about a “spiky carrot”—offering incentives for progress while being prepared to make tough decisions when necessary.

The role of language

One thing I’d like to highlight that hasn’t come up yet is the importance of language. Language matters, especially for those with lived experiences. We also need to stop conflating trafficking with smuggling. If we want to raise awareness, we need to be precise and sensitive about our terminology. Modern slavery doesn’t fit neatly into boxes or labels.

Beyond modern slavery statements

We shouldn’t rely on modern slavery statements as a first step. Having helped set up the Modern Slavery Act, I can tell you it’s a means to an end. These statements should outline what businesses are doing, not justify why they exist. It’s about good business practices and dealing with people fairly.

Data utilisation and interpretation

Data is also key—powerful, but only idisvelledf used correctly. We need the right processes to interpret and act on it. Lastly, we must challenge myths and perceptions about victims. Not all victims of modern slavery look scared, dishevelled, or malnourished. They can be well-dressed, articulate, and well-educated. Many are exploited outside the workplace, even when in legitimate jobs, with their income being diverted elsewhere.

Call to action

To wrap up, prevention is always better than cure. No one is immune to the risk. Strong partnerships are crucial, and we must build both capability and capacity. My final call to action: tell five people what you’ve learned today or through your work. The more people who understand this issue, the better our chances of eradicating it.