Detecting and Remediating Modern Slavery in Supply Chains : A Targeted Audit Approach

Benstead, Amy Victoria and Hendry, Linda and Stevenson, Mark (2021) Detecting and Remediating Modern Slavery in Supply Chains : A Targeted Audit Approach. Production Planning and Control, 32 (13). pp. 1136-1157. ISSN 0953-7287

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Abstract

This paper investigates modern slavery detection and remediation. Action research has been conducted in the textiles and fashion industry, with the primary engagement involving a multi-billion pound (GBP) turnover company and their modern slavery investigation at a high-risk supplier in South East Asia. This paper responds to calls from the literature to investigate the modern slavery detection process and provides empirical evidence involving collaboration with a large multinational NGO and another of the audited supplier’s customers. Findings are presented from a first-hand account of the detection process and suggest that a targeted audit is more likely to identify key indicators of modern slavery. This type of audit includes investigating the end-to-end recruitment process by using a parallel structure of management and worker interviews and documentation review. Evidence is also provided of the company’s remediation process, which includes partnering with a local NGO to empower workers and collaboratively develop suppliers.