GLA Academy - tackling Modern Slavery in supply chains

The GLA is set to unveil its first ever accredited training scheme as it steps up the fight to protect workers from exploitation in the UK’s supply chains. In a ground-breaking move, the authority has joined forces with the University of Derby’s International Policing and Justice Institute to create a GLA Academy - and jointly develop a bespoke training package.

The Certificate in Professional Development:

Investigating Modern Slavery will assist labour providers, labour users and retailers in meeting their requirements in relation to transparency in the supply chain as contained within the Modern Slavery Act (section 54).

Chief Executive Paul Broadbent said:

“Organised crime groups have clearly identified that the labour supply chain is an area to be targeted in order to exploit workers. “The GLA recognises that the only way to tackle this issue is to work alongside business and give all support possible to ensure risks can be identified and tackled.

“Our accredited training programme will give businesses some of the tools to tackle exploitative practice in partnership with the GLA.

“It will also assist with any measures to be introduced in relation to meeting the requirements in the Act and make a significant impact in dealing with criminality so as to protect vulnerable and exploited workers.”

The launch of the training package closely follows the issue of the latest guidance from the Home Office.

Fresh Produce Consortium Chief Executive Nigel Jenney welcomed the introduction of the GLA Academy scheme and added:

“We’re delighted to have been involved in the scheme’s development. This is a unique opportunity to be trained by the GLA professionals.”

Modules delivered will be based on the training provided for GLA Inspectors and draw on the GLA’s extensive experience of dealing with all forms of labour exploitation. They will provide delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to identify exploitative practice and form part of the university’s Investigating Modern Slavery programme.

Those who might benefit include: Compliance Managers, Contract Managers, Technical and Field Managers, Labour Co-ordinators, Recruitment Managers, Ethical Auditors, HR Managers and Training Managers with responsibility for delivering training in relation to the recruitment and placement of workers. This training can be relevant across all sectors of business.

The two-day sessions are planned roughly every fortnight at the GLA offices in Nottingham starting on 30 November 2015 through to the end of May 2016. Groups will be limited to between six and eight people with places priced at £500 per delegate. A full list of dates will be published on the Academy page on the GLA website. Anyone wishing to apply should email academy@gla.gsi.gov.uk. Proceeds will cover delivery costs with any excess dedicated to producing additional training modules and materials.

ENDS

Press release issued by GLA Communications and Information Officer Paul Fearn.

For more information from the GLA contact 0115 959 7069 or email communications@gla.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to editors

1. The GLA operates throughout the UK and is a Non-Departmental Public Body.

2. The authority was formed in 2005 in the wake of the Morecambe Bay cockle picking disaster when 23 Chinese workers drowned on the sands.

3. The GLA licences companies that supply labour (gangmasters) for agriculture, horticulture, shellfish gathering as well as all associated processing and packaging.

4. Its main strategic priorities are to prevent worker exploitation, protect vulnerable people and tackle unlicensed and criminal activity.

5. Under the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act (2004), it is illegal both to operate as, or employ the services of, an unlicensed gangmaster.

www.gla.gov.uk