Date published 2 October 2023
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Marshalls Business & Human Rights Team has picked up the ‘Innovation Award’ at the Unseen Business Awards 2023. Unseen runs the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery, as well as working with business, governments, and statutory agencies.
Emma Crates, Business & Human Rights Manager at Marshalls, stepped up to receive the award on behalf of the team.
ESG & Human Rights Director, Elaine Mitchel-Hill, commented, “It’s encouraging to be acknowledged for our long-term efforts identifying and addressing modern slavery in supply chains; it has its distinct challenges and requires dedication, drive, and persistence. It has prompted me to reflect on our journey that for us started in 2005. I’m also acutely aware that we’re part of the wider construction sector which is falling woefully short in its duty to identify, mitigate and remediate modern slavery and human trafficking. We all need to move further and faster.
Of the team’s work, the judging panel said; “… adoption of third-party analytical risk tools, engagement with social auditors, and use of assessment tools during supplier visits show an innovative approach to identifying and addressing supply chain risks.”
Andrew Wallis, CEO, Unseen says, “In the past year, the Marshalls Business and Human Rights team has been at the forefront of innovation assessing national, regional and location specific risks in high-risk global supply chains using cutting edge tools. As a result, they have steered their strategy and resource allocation in new directions. The team has crafted human rights and environmental due diligence reports for all their natural stone suppliers and mapped out their global supply chain in its entirety.
Now, they’re incorporating the ingenious ‘Everyone’s Business App’ with colleagues and suppliers using it to report on-site conditions in real-time in their own operations and global supply chains. The teams’ approach to fostering interdepartmental collaboration across procurement and commercial functions to ensure a deeper understanding of human rights risks in supply chains, stood out as an example of best practice.”
Elaine said that Marshalls was continuing with its innovative approach citing the piloting of next-generation due diligence in its solar supply chain. She concluded, “This is a pivotal and challenging point in time. Increasing global legislation coupled with a much needed increase in investor scrutiny provides an opportunity for all actors in the value chain to work together to eliminate modern slavery and human trafficking.”
Visit our website to find out more about the work we do to improve human rights.