Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies when awarding public contracts for goods, and or services, and or works, other than special regime contracts (collectively referred to as ‘in-scope organisations’). Other public sector contracting authorities may wish to apply the approach set out in this PPN.
In-scope organisations must use the PPN guidance ‘Tackling modern slavery in government supply chains’ to identify and manage risks in both new procurement activity and existing contracts.
Supply chain information must be provided for new procurements which are considered to carry a high risk of modern slavery. There is also additional guidance on enhanced due diligence activities and on using existing exclusion grounds more effectively.
Note: This PPN replaces PPN 02/23 for procurements commencing on or after 24 February 2025.
Objective at this commercial stage
The relevant specifications, award criteria, assessment methodology and contract clauses must be designed and / or finalised on the basis of the classification of risk associated with modern slavery. In addition, where the modern slavery risk is identified as medium or high, in-scope organisations should consider whether Part 3 of the procurement specific questionnaire should be supplemented with additional questions.
Key considerations at this commercial stage
In-scope organisations should:
- ensure that the relevant specifications, award criteria, evaluation methodology and contract clauses are designed in a manner that takes account of the risk classification associated with modern slavery
- where the modern slavery risk is identified as medium or high, consider whether Part 3 of the PSQ should be supplemented with additional questions
- balance the risk-based approach to modern slavery with the need to consider and mitigate barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE) sector organisations
- consider whether it would be appropriate to include KPIs on actions to identify modern slavery (example KPIs are included in Annex A of this PPN 009)
Legal framework
This content is under development.
