Anti-Slavery and Human trafficking Policy Template for Singapore

An Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy outlines how organizations prevent and address modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. In Singapore, these policies help companies comply with key laws like the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act 2014 and demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices.

The policy typically sets out clear rules for employee conduct, supplier screening, and reporting procedures when someone spots potential trafficking or forced labor. It covers everything from recruitment practices and worker accommodation to supply chain due diligence, helping organizations protect vulnerable workers and maintain their reputation while avoiding legal risks.

Companies operating in Singapore need an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy when they engage in international trade, manage complex supply chains, or work with labor-intensive industries. This becomes especially crucial when expanding operations, onboarding new suppliers, or entering markets with higher trafficking risks.

The policy proves particularly valuable during ministry audits, tender submissions for government contracts, and when partnering with multinational corporations who require strong ethical commitments. It's essential for businesses in manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and maritime sectors where workforce vulnerabilities are higher and regulatory scrutiny is intense.

• Basic compliance version: Focuses on minimum legal requirements under Singapore's Prevention of Human Trafficking Act, suitable for small businesses
• Comprehensive corporate policy: Includes detailed supplier auditing, worker interviews, and remediation processes for larger organizations
• Industry-specific adaptations: Tailored for high-risk sectors like construction or manufacturing, with specific controls for dormitory conditions and recruitment practices
• Supply chain focused: Emphasizes vendor screening, monitoring, and contractual requirements for companies with complex international supply networks
• Multi-jurisdiction version: Addresses both Singapore and international standards for companies operating across multiple countries

• HR Directors and Compliance Teams: Lead the development and implementation of Anti-Slavery policies, conduct staff training, and monitor compliance
• Legal Counsel: Review and update policies to ensure alignment with Singapore's trafficking laws and international standards
• Supply Chain Managers: Implement supplier screening processes and maintain documentation of due diligence efforts
• Department Heads: Ensure their teams understand and follow policy requirements, report concerns promptly
• External Suppliers and Contractors: Must comply with policy terms as a condition of business partnership
• All Employees: Required to understand, follow, and report potential violations of the policy

• Supply Chain Assessment: Map your entire supply network, identifying high-risk areas and potential vulnerabilities
• Legal Requirements: Review Singapore's Prevention of Human Trafficking Act and relevant industry regulations
• Current Practices: Document existing recruitment, worker accommodation, and supplier screening procedures
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from HR, legal, procurement, and operations teams
• Risk Analysis: Evaluate your industry's specific trafficking risks and common exploitation patterns
• Reporting Mechanisms: Design clear procedures for staff to report concerns confidentially
• Training Plans: Outline how you'll educate staff about the policy and their responsibilities

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in operations
• Scope Definition: Coverage of all employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners
• Legal Framework: Reference to Singapore's Prevention of Human Trafficking Act and related regulations
• Due Diligence Procedures: Detailed supplier assessment and monitoring processes
• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential channels for raising concerns and whistleblower protection
• Training Requirements: Mandatory awareness programs for staff and key stakeholders
• Enforcement Measures: Consequences for non-compliance and remediation procedures
• Review Process: Annual policy evaluation and update requirements

While both documents focus on ethical business conduct, an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy in several key ways:

• Scope and Focus: Anti-slavery policies specifically target modern slavery risks and human trafficking prevention, while Compliance and Ethics policies cover broader ethical business conduct including corruption, fraud, and general workplace behavior
• Legal Framework: Anti-slavery policies align primarily with the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act, while Compliance and Ethics policies address multiple regulatory requirements including the Prevention of Corruption Act
• Supply Chain Impact: Anti-slavery policies emphasize supplier due diligence and worker protection measures, whereas Compliance and Ethics policies focus more on internal conduct and corporate governance
• Reporting Requirements: Anti-slavery policies require specific mechanisms for reporting trafficking concerns, while Compliance and Ethics policies cover general misconduct reporting