Our purpose, structure and supply chains 

The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development. As an organisation whose purpose is championing better work and working lives, we wholeheartedly endorse the legislation in relation to the Act as a crucially important development in tackling slavery and human trafficking. We will not trade or partner with any business or organisation which is involved in this shocking practice, however remotely or indirectly. 

Furthermore, we are the voice of a worldwide community of more than 160,000 members who have a stewardship obligation to demonstrate and promote fair and reasonable standards in the treatment of people who are operating within their sphere of influence. 

We are not for profit and hold a highly respected Royal Charter. We are a registered charity in England & Wales, Scotland and Ireland with public benefit that includes our ability to influence public policy and promote progressive HR and people management practices. 

We are the parent company of CIPD Enterprises Ltd and CIPD Asia Ltd. CIPD Middle East FZ-LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CIPD Enterprises Ltd. Across our group we have over 350 employees in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore and Dubai. 

Our supply chains include publishing and printing services, IT services, conference and venue suppliers, training providers and consultants, and marketing and PR services.  

Our policies, due diligence and risk assessment processes 

We have adapted and re-promoted our existing corporate policies to address modern slavery and human trafficking where relevant, including our whistleblowing policy which allows employees to report any concerns confidentially. 

As part of our procurement process, we will only engage with suppliers and contractors who confirm their compliance with the Act. This financial year, we will again contact all suppliers where our spend is in excess of £5,000 to raise awareness and seek assurance of compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. 

We have reviewed the risks that these supply chains can present and whilst we consider our exposure to modern slavery to be limited, we expect our suppliers and contractors to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation. 

Our actions, training and review processes 

All new contracts, and those renewing, now include a clause requiring that our suppliers, and their subcontractors, comply with the Act, and include the CIPD’s right to terminate in the instance of any breach of this obligation. 

We require all staff to complete a specific training course every two years (or for new hires, within one month of joining and every two years thereafter) to increase their awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking so that they are able to understand, identify and report on these risks. They are made aware that modern slavery is a global problem that affects us all yet can often go undetected, and that everyone has a vital role to play in tackling the issue.  

We review the course regularly to ensure that it is up to date and incorporates any legislative amendments. The most recent all-staff training took place in the financial year 2020-21.