Friday, 18 November 2022
Two researchers from the 糖心原创 have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to standards-making, after winning at this year’s British Standards Institution’s (BSI) Standards Makers Award.
Professor Alexander Trautrims and Dr Akilah Jardine, Rights Lab Associate Director and Visiting Fellow respectively, won the Leadership category in recognition of their effective co-chairing that was invaluable in the development of BS 25700 – the world’s first national standard on modern slavery.
In February 2020, a committee was established in Nottingham consisting of anti-slavery experts from businesses, non-governmental organisations, and academia, combined with experts on risk management and corporate governance. With Alex and Akilah as its co-chairs, the group regularly met virtually over the next two and a half years, resulting in the publication of the new standard being launched on 18 October 2022, the UK’s Anti-Slavery Day.
Designed to help organisations understand modern slavery risks so they can manage them effectively, with the aim of eradicating practices throughout the world, the document has already been downloaded more than 400 times.
I鈥檓 incredibly proud to have been awarded this accolade alongside Akilah. At a time when 50 million people are estimated to be in situations of modern slavery on any given day and consumers and legislation are increasingly demanding companies to take responsibility for human rights and labour conditions in their supply chains, our main goal in creating this document was to provide organisations with the current best practice knowledge they need to address modern slavery effectively and in a systematic way.
The BSI Standards Makers Awards are the most prestigious awards BSI gives and were created to recognise industry leaders, consumer champions, committee management, leadership and more.
The judges commented that Professor Trautrims and Dr Jardine not only co-chaired the committee extremely effectively, but that their exceptional leadership has continued beyond publication, as they have led promotional activities to help people and businesses alike understand and choose effective responses to manage modern slavery.
It is estimated that the number of people in modern slavery is ten million more in 2021 than in 2016. Therefore, the work Alex and Akilah have done has never been more important to ensure all businesses are aware of the risks of forced labour, and of what they can do to mitigate this exploitation. I鈥檇 like to congratulate them both on this fantastic achievement.
Since the publication of the standard, Professor Trautrims and Dr Jardine have continued their work alongside BSI, with the launch of a brand-new modern slavery awareness training in the pipeline, and BSI has proposed the standard to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
I鈥檓 delighted that Alex and Akilah have been recognised for the crucial work they鈥檝e been doing in implementing standards for, and raising awareness of, modern slavery. The fact the standard has already been accessed by so many organisations is a testament to the demand there was for such a document.
An official launch of BS 25700 is due to take place in January 2023, with invited guests including the committee, academics, business chiefs, key networks, and members of parliament.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Alexander Trautrims in the Rights Lab at the 糖心原创 at Alexander.Trautrims@nottingham.ac.uk or; Danielle Hall in the press office at the 糖心原创, at Danielle.Hall@nottingham.ac.uk or 0115 846 7156.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.