Modern slavery statement
This statement constitutes Westminster Abbey’s ‘Modern Slavery Transparency Statement’, pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It concerns both Westminster Abbey (‘The Abbey’) and its subsidiary company, Westminster Abbey Enterprises Limited (hereafter ‘WAEL’), pertaining to the financial year ending 29th September 2025. This is the Abbey’s first Modern Slavery Transparency statement.
About the Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a living and working church, a symbol of ‘Faith at the Heart of the Nation’. Imbued with over 10,00 years of historical and spiritual significance, the Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which welcomes over 1 million visitors and 200,000 worshippers annually.
Introduction
Westminster Abbey and WAEL are committed to ensuring that modern slavery is not present within the organisation or its supply chains. The Abbey does not knowingly engage with suppliers or organisations involved in slavery or human trafficking. As a charity and a Christian organisation, it aspires to maintain the highest standards of transparency and integrity. Moreover, its investments follow the ethical guidance of the Church of England. The Abbey also supports charities which exist to tackle modern slavery in our communities, such as The Clewer Initiative.
Policies
The Abbey has several policies which attest to its commitment to mitigate the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within the Abbey and its supply chains.
The Abbey’s commercial arm, WAEL, has an Ethical and Environmental Trading Policy which stipulates that all suppliers provide evidence of their compliance with the Ethical Trading Initiative base code. The ETI base code clauses are as follows:
- Employment is freely chosen
- Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are respected
- Working conditions are safe and hygienic
- Child labour shall not be used
- Living wages are paid
- Working hours are not excessive
- No discrimination is practised
- Regular employment is provided
- No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
The Abbey strives to be a fair employer, paying its employees the London Living Wage and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment. Appointments to all roles within the Abbey are subject to relevant checks, and staff must demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.
The Abbey’s Safeguarding Policy affirms that safeguarding is both an individual and collective responsibility. All employees receive safeguarding training on how to recognise and report signs of abuse, including how to identify possible victims of modern slavery. Staff are aware that any safeguarding concerns should be shared with the Abbey’s designated Safeguarding Officer.
The Abbey is committed to fostering a culture of trust and integrity. Members of staff are thus strongly encouraged to pass on any concerns via line managers, anonymous feedback forms, or to representatives of our Employee Engagement Forum. The Abbey’s Employee Assistance Programme offers an independent and confidential means for staff to seek advice or support. Employees who report suspected wrongdoings are supported by the Abbey’s Whistleblowing Policy in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996.
The Abbey’s aims this year
Having reviewed current policies and procedures, the Abbey has recognised that it should enhance the checks and controls which it operates to mitigate further the risk of modern slavery occurring within the Abbey’s supply chains.
The Abbey has appointed a procurement officer who will produce a standardised Procurement Policy as well as a Supplier Code of Conduct to which all our suppliers will be expected to adhere. This year, the Abbey will start to conduct supplier audits and risk assessments to identify any potentially high-risk suppliers (reserving the right to terminate any arrangements if a supplier fails to satisfy ethical requirements). Moreover, the Abbey will introduce contractual clauses requiring its suppliers to comply with a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.
By adopting these due diligence procedures, the Abbey aims to minimise the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking occurring within its organisation or supply chains.
This statement was approved by the Abbey Board on 21st May 2025.
