Stagecoach partners with Slave-Free Alliance to tackle modern slavery in supply chain

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has today partnered with Slave-Free Alliance (SFA) in efforts to further support the communities it serves and strengthen the resilience of its supply chain.

Corresponding with the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the partnership helps provide a focus on human rights, modern slavery and labour exploitation in its supply chain. It will also support Stagecoach’s commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and its ten principles, which the Company became a participant of in 2023.

SFA, part of the charity Hope for Justice, is an international social enterprise supporting more than 120 organisations worldwide to strengthen their human rights due diligence.

The partnership will strengthen assurance across the business units and third-party relationships and identify anyone affected by modern slavery and exploitation, protect individuals from modern slavery and exploitation and prevent acts of modern slavery and exploitation in Stagecoach’s value chain.

Tony Cockcroft, Asset Management Director at Stagecoach, said:

“Supporting communities is one of the key values we hold close. One way we do this is by focusing on real-life moments and the everyday importance of reliable travel. Our depots are a key stimulator for economic growth, through both direct employment and employment in our supply chain and we are committed to ensuring fair, safe and equitable environments for all.” 

There are more than 3,500 supply chain partners in Stagecoach’s network, and this work is significant. By working with the SFA, we hope to benefit from their knowledge and experience to support these efforts to ensure we have an environment which is free from any modern slavery and exploitation.

Caroline Fogg, Group Head of Logistics, Procurement at Stagecoach, said:

“I’m really excited about this partnership. It fits hand in glove with the supplier training programme we are currently rolling out with suppliers in conjunction with the UN Global Compact UK Network.  It reinforces the efforts with our wider partner network, as well as what we are doing internally between functions as part of the Modern Slavery Working Group”.

Marc Stanton, Director of Slave-Free Alliance, said:

"We are proud to partner with Stagecoach in their commitment to tackling modern slavery. By joining Slave-Free Alliance, Stagecoach is taking a significant step towards protecting vulnerable workers in their operations and supply chains. Together, we’re working to drive lasting change and help build a future where exploitation has no place." 

Over the coming months, the partnership will focus on understanding and identifying the risks and opportunities presented. This strong foundation will support the development of solutions that strengthen further the Company’s resilience and reduce risk, while maximising opportunities within its supply chain network. 

To read more about SFA, visit www.slavefreealliance.org/.  

To view Stagecoach’s current Modern Slavery Statement visit  www.stagecoachbus.com/group-policies-and-statements