Driving Change.
Raising Awareness.
Protecting People.
“Doing the Right Thing” is one of Brightwork’s core values and It’s this commitment that led to the creation of Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS).
Recognising the serious and lasting harm caused by labour exploitation and modern slavery, Brightwork brought together key partners to act. SAMS was established in collaboration with the Scottish Government, the Fair Work Agency (FWA), Police Scotland, the Home Office, and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner - creating a united, cross-sector response to a complex and growing issue.
SAMS is a unique, business-led initiative fully funded by Brightwork and Staffline. What began as a commitment to do better has grown into a powerful network of over 60 corporate partners across Scotland.
Together, we work to raise awareness of modern slavery, human trafficking and labour exploitation within Scottish supply chains, helping organisations understand the risks and take meaningful action.
A Business-Led
Movement
for Change
Creating
Meaningful
Conversations
At the heart of SAMS is a commitment not just to awareness - but to action.
To date, SAMS has supported more than 25 survivors of labour exploitation, helping them move into safe, sustainable employment and rebuild their lives through access to good work.
This focus reflects Brightwork’s wider purpose: enabling people into Good Work - opportunities that are fair, secure and genuinely life-changing.
Recent topics have included:
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Navigating cancer in the workplace (in partnership with The Beatson and Maggie’s Centres)
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Addressing domestic violence (in collaboration with Police Scotland and Glasgow Women’s Aid)
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The impact of scam farms in Myanmar
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The economic outlook across Scotland
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Upcoming changes in employment legislation
These conversations go beyond compliance - helping organisations better support their people and respond to real-world challenges.
Shaping a
Safer Future
for Work
in Scotland
At Brightwork, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and tackling the issues that matter.
SAMS continues to evolve as a platform for collaboration, learning and action - helping organisations across Scotland build safer, more ethical and more resilient workplaces.
The initiative remains fully funded by Brightwork and Staffline and is free to join, giving members the flexibility to engage in the discussions and topics most relevant to them throughout the year.
Join the
Conversation
Be part of a growing movement committed to tackling modern slavery and improving working lives across Scotland.
Humza Yousaf
Former First Minister of Scotland“Working together, we can create the conditions to eradicate human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland and beyond.”
“I encourage businesses and employers throughout the country to be vigilant to the issue of trafficking and exploitation, both within their own operations and through their supply chains.”
Eleanor Lyons
Independent Anti Slavery Commissioner“Protecting those who are most vulnerable is not optional. It is a shared responsibility that begins with compassion, is sustained by action, and is measured by justice.”
Theresa May
MP“No leader worthy of the name can look the other way while men, women and children are held against their will.”
Scotland Against Modern Slavery exists to help eradicate the atrocity of human trafficking and raise awareness across the Scottish business community of this evil trade.
Our group incorporates a range of partners, sharing a vast array of experience in tackling this terrible issue head-on. We are here to assist you with advice, training and, of course, victim support.