Did you know that there's literally a British Standard for preventing modern slavery in your business operations and supply chains? BS 25700 exists, and most leaders have no idea it's sitting there waiting to help them.
What it is:
BS 25700 is the world's first standard specifically designed to help organizations identify, prevent, and address modern slavery risks. Think of it as the instruction manual you wish you'd had from day one. Created by BSI (British Standards Institution), the same folks who brought you quality management systems and other frameworks you probably already use.
Why it matters
Instead of reinventing the wheel or wondering if you're doing enough, you now have a recognized, credible framework that:
- Provides a systematic approach to risk assessment
- Offers clear guidance on due diligence processes
- Helps you build defensible policies and procedures
- Gives you common language to use with suppliers and stakeholders
- Demonstrates serious commitment to investors, customers, and regulators
The "So What" for your organization
If you're feeling paralyzed by where to start, BS 25700 is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start implementing. It's designed for organizations of all sizes and applies whether you're manufacturing widgets or providing professional services.
Three immediate actions:
1. Download and review the standard to understand the framework
2. Assess where you currently stand against its guidelines (this reveals your gaps without judgment)
3. Use it as your roadmap for building or strengthening your responsible sourcing program
You don't have to figure this out alone. BS 25700 is proof that preventing modern slavery is serious enough to warrant an international standard, and accessible enough that your organization can actually implement it. The question isn't "where do we start?" anymore. The question is: "when do we start?"
Not sure if BS 25700 is right for your organization? Here are 3 signs it's worth exploring:
1. You have global suppliers
2. You're facing pressure from customers or investors about labor practices
3. You want to do the right thing but need structure to make it happen.
Meet our panel sustainability experts:
Ryan Lynch, Global Practice Director for Sustainability
Che Choi, Senior Consultant specializing in global supply chain sustainability
Kimberly Rodriguez, Consultant specializing in sustainable supply chains
