Hidden in Plain Sight: Modern Day Slavery in Offshore Jurisdictions

Modern Day Slavery (MDS) is often misunderstood as a distant issue, yet it persists within supply chains and labour markets – even in well-regulated offshore jurisdictions. This insightful IoD Jersey breakfast meeting will shine a spotlight on the hidden realities of MDS and labour exploitation in the global economy, with a specific focus on transitional labour and the responsibilities of businesses and policymakers in Jersey.

Tristan Forster

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, FSI Worldwide

A global leader in ethical recruitment and a long-time advocate against forced labour practices, Tristan will deliver a 45-minute keynote covering:

• His personal and professional journey in tackling modern slavery
• The spectrum of modern day slavery, from trafficking to debt bondage
• Labour exploitation within international and offshore jurisdictions
• The importance of ethical labour recruitment: "Employer Pays" principle
• What Jersey should be doing at a policy level – both domestically and internationally – to address transitional and migrant labour risks

Tristan Forster Bio

After a career spanning military service and entrepreneurship, Tristan founded FSI Worldwide (FSI) in 2006 with the mission to lead the global shift toward ethical recruitment and employment practices. Today, FSI is a market leader in the provision and management of ethically sourced labour, operating globally and offering end-to-end supply chain solutions from source communities to destination employers.

Tristan’s career began as an officer in the British Army, before he transitioned into the private sector with a vision to tackle systemic labour exploitation. His work at FSI has directly contributed to transforming recruitment practices in vulnerable labour supply chains, helping to eliminate debt bondage and other forms of modern slavery.

In addition to his role at FSI, Tristan is the founder of a tech startup FairLink, a pioneering technology platform advancing transparency and traceability in ethical recruitment.

A recognised thought leader in ethical business and anti-trafficking, Tristan regularly consults governments, international organisations, and corporations on implementing ethical recruitment frameworks.

He lives in Jersey with his wife and two children, and when not working, enjoys surfing, mountain-biking and trail running

James Clarry Bio

Chief Executive, Justice & Care

After 25 years in legal practice and financial services, James joined as Chief Executive of Justice & Care in September 2023. J&C is an international NGO, with operations in the UK, Bangladesh and Romania, joining forces to significantly reduce the prevalence of human trafficking and modern slavery. It’s flagship programme in the UK is the Victim Navigator, working with police and prosecutors to support survivors of modern slavery.James started his career at Allen & Overy, as a derivatives and securitisation lawyer, before working as an in-house lawyer in several banks, including Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse and RBS. After serving as General Counsel for NatWest Markets, James joined private bank/wealth manager, Coutts, initially as General Counsel and later as Head of Lending and finally as COO for six years.James lives in Brighton with his wife (teacher) and four children and is currently studying part-time for an MSc in International Development at the University of Sussex. He loves distance running, wild swimming and walking in the UK’s National Parks.

James will cover the following issues in his presentation;

• The story of of survivors, Sarah and Stefan, who were victims of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT); supported by a video
• Facts and figures to support the prevalence of MSHT
• Types of businesses where MSHT is common
• Illustration of the scale of MSHT in Jersey
• The role of business/finance in facilitating, or fighting, MSHT
• The role of government and regulation in fighting MSHT
• Opportunity for Q&A

Maria Bridson

Advocate, BridsonHalsall Advocates, Isle of Man

Maria Bridson is a well-respected expert in Isle of Man immigration law and policy. She has been qualified as an Isle of Man Advocate who for 22 years and assists individuals and companies relocate to the Isle of Man. She acts as a consultant to Isle of Man Government on immigration policy development and was previously the Isle of Man Government Immigration Legal Officer.

Maria has worked with numerous migrants who have been subject to modern slavery and labour exploitation on the Island and liaised with various Government agencies to regularise their immigration status and provide ongoing support. Maria has made an impact on many through her work with victims of human trafficking and modern slavery and has been awarded the Deemster Kerruish Endeavour Award 2024 for her commitment to justice and human rights.

Maria will cover the following issues in his presentation;

• “The Cleaning Fairies” - case study to show what Modern Slavery Human Trafficking looks like in the Isle of Man
• “Ignorance is bliss” - why the authorities and business community failed to spot the signs
• “Island Gossip” – why being interested in other people’s lives can be the best defence
• “Headlines, fines and prison” – why it matters to your business.

Agenda

08:30 - Registration and Breakfast Networking

09:00 - Welcome (IoD Jersey Chair, Alex Ruddy / IoD Jersey Chair of Sustainability Sub-Committee, Tom Noel)

09:10 - Keynote Speech - Tristan Forster

09:20 - Keynote Speech - James Clarry (with Video interviews: Lived experiences of Modern Day Slavery)

09:40 - Keynote Speech - Maria Bridson

10:10 - Panel Reflections: Justice in Care & guests

10:30 - Audience Q&A and Open Discussion

10:50 - Closing remarks and call to action

11:00 - Event close

Ticket price includes a buffet breakfast