ICBs could be required by law to identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery in their supply chains, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said.
The measure is included in a consultation on proposed plans after a government review found that more than 21% of NHS suppliers were at ‘high risk’ of there being modern slavery or human trafficking in their supply chain.
The five highest risk products were found to be surgical instruments, gloves, gowns, uniforms and face masks.
ICBs would be required to work with suppliers to identify risks and put forward solutions to prevent goods being sourced from companies accused of exploiting their workforce.
As well as ICBs, the proposed plans would cover all public bodies procuring goods and services for the NHS, including NHS trusts and local authorities.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘The NHS is a public service built on compassion and equality, values which are completely antithetical to the heinous evil of modern slavery.
‘These new measures will ensure vital checks are made and public bodies act to stamp out the crimes of slavery and human trafficking.’
Jacqui Rock, chief commercial officer of NHS England, said modern slavery needed to be eradicated from the NHS supply chain.
‘While our procurement follows the government’s standard selection questionnaire, which addresses modern slavery risk, there is much more to do.
‘We have a responsibility to ensure a zero-tolerance policy to modern slavery – and the more stakeholders that respond to this consultation will help strengthen these measures and help us wipe out this crime in the NHS supply chain.’
The DHSC said that the NHS is the largest procurer in the country and encouraged its staff to report any incidences of human trafficking or slavery.
It advised involving law enforcement in these circumstances and calling 999 if there is reason to believe someone is in immediate danger. The government also suggested specialist training that would support workers to act as whistleblowers.
The DHSC launched the consultation today (21 November) and it will remain open until 6 February 2025. The government is seeking input from public bodies, suppliers, trade associations, interest groups, patients and the wider public.
