Modern Slavery Act Report

Combating modern slavery

We are committed to a future without labour exploitation and rights violations in the form of modern slavery. This hidden, large-scale exploitation within our community often harms those least able to defend themselves.

Awareness

An online modern slavery training module is available to all staff, to help them understand the issue, identify warning signs, and take extra care when buying. We are also embedding modern slavery risk mitigation and due diligence measures in relevant procurement templates, policies and procedures to support staff in addressing local level risks and issues.
Supply chain

We are taking a data-driven, risk based approach to focus our efforts on high-risk products, services and investments. This approach includes collaborating with third parties who have deep expertise in workers’ rights protection in specific industries, to improve the transparency of these high-risk areas.
Risk assessments

We’re enhancing the geographic and industry-based risk assessment processes used to assess our suppliers.
Rigorous processes

Our tendering documents and template agreements have been updated to include not only modern slavery, but a number of other sustainable procurement initiatives.
Focused policies

We have updated relevant policies and procedures to include reference to modern slavery and associated legislation.
Preferred suppliers

Our staff are encouraged to work with Monash University-preferred providers and organisations with their own Modern Slavery Statements.

Podcast: Swipe Right for Slavery

Approximately 40 million people worldwide are enslaved in some way. And if you believe your hands are clean, you’re wrong. Listen to the What Happens Next? podcast on modern slavery.

Our approach

Five-year plan View

We have a five-year plan to address modern slavery risks within our global, complex, operations and supply chain – with a clearly defined governance structure supported by an expert advisory panel. We recognise that as this plan is implemented, it needs to remain responsive to new lessons and dynamic in execution. We continue to learn, adjust and improve our plan. Like many other companies and institutions, our understanding of modern slavery, and this five-year plan, will continue to evolve, develop and grow.

2025
2026
2027
2028
2029

Offshore research and education.
Spot check of modern slavery clauses – offshore.
Program review and forward planning.
Remediation framework completion.

Review of effectiveness of electronics solution (Electronics Watch).
Review of effectiveness of apparel panel.
Provide offshore entities with tools to standardise monitoring of modern slavery requirements.
Integrated modern slavery grievance approach.

Review of risks in procurement practices.
Review of human rights protections embedded in key policies and contracts.
Review of cleaning services.
Review of apparel risk mitigations.

Review of security services.
Modern Slavery website review.
Scoring methodology for investment reports from our investment managers.

Review of offshore entities modern slavery tools and effectiveness.
Review of grievance approach.
Review of remediation framework.

Working with our suppliers View

We recognise that we cannot do this alone – it requires accountability and a sustained effort in conjunction with our suppliers, partners and the wider Monash University community.

Our suppliers vary from common goods and services to some of the most specialised suppliers worldwide that support our leading research projects. We also undertake research in a multitude of remote areas across the world.

After a thorough consultation process with key suppliers and stakeholders throughout the University, we are now implementing the following actions to assess and address operational and supply risks.

New supplier onboarding
Template wording
Simplified questionnaires
Risk assessments

All new suppliers must confirm they are compliant with relevant modern slavery requirements as part of our supplier onboarding process. They are not able to be paid until they have completed this process, including electronically confirming they are compliant with all relevant obligations. A failure to confirm compliance stops the onboarding process and initiates manual intervention and review.

A robust framework of template wording has been created for implementation in key formal template agreements (where Monash is procuring goods or services). These are being continuously improved as our program of work progresses. In addition, we provide comprehensive written responses to all queries from third parties seeking to clarify the Monash component of their supply chain or as part of sponsorship and funding applications.

Recognising the wide diversity of our global supply chain, an additional supplier questionnaire has been created. This includes clear expressions of requirements and guided steps in English. This is used in conjunction with dialogue to achieve an understanding of the supplier’s practice and culture and to identify the best way to work in partnership with suppliers, beginning with directly-engaged suppliers.

Using a combination of reliable resources including those from the Department of Home Affairs, Global Slavery Index, International Labour Organisation, and the Walk Free Foundation in addition to industry and academic expertise, we have identified areas within our supply chain that are considered to be of high-risk. This risk assessment approach allows us to delve deeper into our supply chain to enhance transparency. We use the risk assessment outcomes to prioritise actions against each high-risk area.

Modern Slavery Act Report