MODERN SLAVERY
STATEMENT 2025

This statement is Save the Children International (“SCI”)’s Modern Slavery Statement, prepared in accordance with section 54(1) of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. It builds on our previous statements, which are available on our website, and outlines the steps we have taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chains.

SCI is committed to the principles of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, which align with our values and mission. Addressing modern slavery remains a core part of our safeguarding approach and our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable communities. This work continues to be particularly important in contexts affected by conflict and displacement, where risks of exploitation, trafficking and child labour are heightened.

During 2025, SCI continued to integrate efforts to prevent child labour and exploitation across our programming, including through strengthening child protection systems, supporting access to safe education, and building resilience among families. We also continued to engage with partners, the private sector and wider coalitions to promote responsible business practices and the protection of children’s rights in supply chains.

SCI is a UK-registered charity and company limited by guarantee, headquartered in London. It serves as the implementing body of the Save the Children movement, working alongside 30 Members and 3 National Offices across approximately 70 countries. Together, we deliver programmes and advocacy to achieve lasting change for children.

SCI employs approximately 10,900 staff globally, in addition to contractors and volunteers. Recruitment is primarily conducted locally through country-based HR teams.

SCI operates a large and decentralised supply chain, with approximately US$350 million in annual third-party spend, the majority of which is procured in-country. While SCI is not engaged in sectors traditionally associated with higher risks of modern slavery, we recognise that many of the contexts in which we operate present elevated risks. SCI also works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, with approximately 15.5% of programming delivered through partners.
 

SCI maintains a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and has established a framework of policies and standards to support this commitment. Our Safeguarding Policy, which is mandatory for all staff, explicitly prohibits modern slavery and all forms of exploitation and abuse. It is supported by our Code of Conduct and Safe and Respectful Working Environment Policy.

SCI’s Supplier Sustainability Policy sets out clear expectations for suppliers, including in relation to modern slavery, and is incorporated into our contractual arrangements. We also maintain a Whistleblowing Policy, with multiple channels available for reporting concerns.

All staff are required to confirm adherence to these policies and complete mandatory training on induction, with refresher training required every two years.

SCI adopts a risk-based approach to preventing modern slavery across its operations, supply chains and partnerships.

Our recruitment practices are designed to protect workers from exploitation and include structured hiring processes, pre-employment checks, and clear and fair contractual arrangements. We ensure that staff receive appropriate remuneration and are informed of their rights, and we prohibit practices such as recruitment fees.

Within our supply chains, suppliers are subject to due diligence processes, including vetting and registration through our global procurement platform. Compliance with our Supplier Sustainability Policy is a condition of doing business with SCI. We apply risk-based monitoring, including supplier engagement and, where appropriate, site visits.

SCI also applies due diligence to partners through structured assessment processes that incorporate consideration of modern slavery risks. Requirements relating to safeguarding and modern slavery are embedded in partnership agreements.

SCI maintains established reporting mechanisms for concerns relating to modern slavery and exploitation. All reports are investigated and appropriate action is taken, which may include termination of contracts, disciplinary measures, and referral to relevant authorities. Support is provided to affected individuals where required.

SCI recognises that awareness is critical to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. All staff are required to complete safeguarding training, which includes content on modern slavery, and to refresh this training every two years. Additional training is provided to staff in relevant functions, including procurement.

We also raise awareness among partners and suppliers through guidance, engagement and, where appropriate, training initiatives, including safeguarding modules that address modern slavery risks.

SCI is committed to continuously strengthening its approach to preventing modern slavery. In 2026, we will focus on enhancing safeguarding systems and accountability, including embedding risk management tools and improving oversight across our operations.

We will continue to strengthen awareness and capability among staff, partners and suppliers, particularly in higher-risk contexts, and support teams to better identify and mitigate risks. We will also expand structured engagement with suppliers, including capacity-building initiatives, and further integrate social sustainability considerations into procurement processes.

In parallel, we will continue to strengthen our partnership approaches through improved tools and due diligence processes, and expand community engagement to support prevention, reporting and response.