The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is a pivotal piece of legislation in the UK, designed to combat modern slavery and human trafficking while ensuring transparency within business operations.

Purpose: The Act aims to prevent any form of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude, within businesses and their supply chains. It also seeks to enhance support and protection for victims of these crimes.

Requirements:

1. Transparency in Supply Chains (TISC): The Act requires certain businesses to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year, detailing the steps they have taken to ensure that modern slavery is not taking place in their business operations or supply chains.
2. Due Diligence: Businesses must conduct due diligence to prevent slavery and human trafficking in their operations and supply chains.
3. Victim Support: The Act provides statutory support and protection for victims, ensuring they receive appropriate aid and are not unjustly penalized for their involvement in unlawful acts while enslaved.
4. Legal Enforcement: It establishes specific offenses related to slavery and human trafficking, enhancing law enforcement's ability to take action against these crimes.

Applicability: The Modern Slavery Act 2015 applies to all organizations operating within the UK that meet a specified threshold of £36 million in total turnover. This includes both domestic businesses and international companies with operations in the UK.

By setting clear expectations for corporate accountability, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 not only promotes ethical business practices but also contributes to the global fight against the severe exploitation of individuals.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 imposes specific evidence requirements to ensure that organizations are actively taking steps to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in their operations and supply chains.

Key Evidence Requirements:

1. Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement: Organizations that meet the financial threshold are required to produce an annual slavery and human trafficking statement. This statement must detail the actions the organization has taken during the financial year to ensure that slavery and human trafficking are not occurring in their business or supply chains.
2. Due Diligence Documentation: Companies need to keep records of their due diligence processes, including risk assessments, audits, supplier assessments, and any remedial actions taken in response to identified risks. This documentation is critical for proving that the organization is actively managing and mitigating risks associated with modern slavery.
3. Training Records: Evidence of training provided to staff and management on recognizing and preventing modern slavery and human trafficking should be maintained. This includes details of the training content, the participants, and the frequency of training sessions.
4. Reporting Mechanisms: Evidence of the mechanisms put in place for employees or others to report suspected cases of slavery or human trafficking, along with records of any actions taken as a result of such reports.
5. Supply Chain Audits: For organizations with complex supply chains, evidence of audits and corrective actions undertaken to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act by their suppliers is essential.

These evidence requirements are essential for demonstrating compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and for organizations to transparently show their commitment to eliminating modern slavery practices. They help in creating accountability and fostering an ethical business environment.