Modern Slavery Statement

Our Commitment

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (FT) seeks to adhere to best practices and take all appropriate precautions to stop human trafficking and slavery.

We are dedicated to making sure that every one of our employees is aware of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This also means reminding them of their safeguarding obligation to protect and stop any further abuse or harm when it is determined or suspected that the person may be, or is at risk of being a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.

This statement comprises the slavery and human trafficking statement of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust for the financial year ending 31st March 2026 in accordance with Section 54, Part 6 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

The organisation recognises it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking and is absolutely committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in its corporate activities.

Definition of Offences

Slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour.

A person commits an offence if:
i. The person holds another person in slavery or servitude and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is held in slavery or servitude, or;
ii. The person requires another person to perform forced or compulsory labour and the circumstances are such that the person knows or ought to know that the other person is being required to perform forced or compulsory labour.

Human Trafficking

A person commits an offence if:
i. The person arranges or facilitates the travel of another person (victim) with a view to being exploited;
ii. It is irrelevant whether the victim consents to travel and whether or not the victim is an adult or a child.

Exploitation

A person is exploited if one or more of the following issues are identified in relation to the victim:
i. Slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour;
ii. Sexual exploitation;
iii. Removal of organs;
iv. Securing services by force, threats and deception;
v. Securing services from children, young people and vulnerable persons.

Organisational Structure

The Executive Board and all employees are committed to ensuring that there is no modern slavery or human trafficking in any part of our organisation.

Our approach

Our overall approach is governed by compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and the maintenance and development of best practice in the fields of contracting and employment. Stockport NHS FT recognises safeguarding as a high priority for the organisation. In order to achieve this we ensure that we have arrangements in place to provide strong leadership, vision and direction for safeguarding. We make sure we have clear accessible policies and procedures in line with relevant legislation, statutory
guidance and best practice.

The organisational structure, business, and supply chain

We have a clear line of accountability for safeguarding within the Trust. The Trust Accountable Officer (namely the Chief Nurse) has ultimate accountability for ensuring that the health contribution to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults is discharged effectively across the whole health economy through commissioning arrangements. The Chief Nurse and DIPC is the Executive lead for safeguarding, and has responsibility for providing leadership and gaining assurance in relation to safeguarding issues within the Trust. The Trust employs the expertise of a Head of Safeguarding and Named Professionals, Nurses, and Doctors for both children and adults. These roles are an integral part of the integrated structure and support the delivery of the safeguarding adult and children’s agenda.

The policies in relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking

There is a multi-agency policy and procedures for the protection of adults and children with care and support needs. This policy covers Modern Slavery and Trafficking. Organisations will report any concerns direct to the police, into the safeguarding team or directly to Social services for children and adults. 

The due diligence processes in relation to Slavery and Human Trafficking in its business.

The Trust Safeguarding team are required to report as part of the NHS assurance framework (SAAF) on what measures are in place and the reporting of any incidents or allegations of human trafficking and modern slavery identified within the organisation.

The Trust aims to be as effective as possible in ensuring that modern slavery and Human Trafficking is not taking place in any part of our service.
i. Effective interagency working with local authorities, the police and third sector organisations which includes appropriate arrangements for preventing and responding to modern slavery and Human Trafficking;
ii. Signing up to the multi-agency policy and procedures for the protection of adults and children with care and support needs;
iii. Undertaking robust NHS employment checks and payroll systems

1. Our recruitment processes are highly mature – requiring practices that adhere to safe recruitment principles; this includes strict requirements in respect of identity checks, work permits and criminal records.

vi. Our policies such as Bullying and Harassment at Work policy, Individual Grievance policy, Equality and Diversity policy and Whistleblowing policy provide an additional platform for our employees to raise concerns about poor working practices

Training about Slavery and Human Trafficking

Slavery and Human Trafficking is part of the organisation’s Mandatory Safeguarding Children and Adults training programme.

During 2025 and 2026, we will continue to raise awareness of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 internally through awareness raising events and in collaboration with the Safeguarding Partnership Boards.