Has modern slavery legislation driven change or compliance? Is there a business case for LEADING on human rights?

09:15 - 10:00

The UK Modern Slavery act attracted the attention of big business at a board level. This has since driven a wave of compliance with the act’s reporting requirements. But beyond the annual statements, is it simply business as usual? Or has recent legislation actually improved human rights performance?

In this opening debate, we’ll also discuss the case for going beyond basic legal requirements. Is there a strong enough business case for leading on human rights?

We’ll ask a panel of experts to discuss:

What is the business appetite for going beyond compliance? Is legislation simply being used as a set of guidelines?
Is the Modern Slavery Act a paper tiger? When there is neither carrot or stick, what can businesses expect?Is there a role for NGO’s to reward companies for going beyond compliance? How realistic is a shift from name and shame, to name and fame?
Do investors value companies going beyond legal requirements or is compliance enough?