YHA Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Act Transparency Statement

Approved by the Board of Trustees on: 11 July 2026 
Published: 20 July 2026
Next Review: July 2027
Signed by: James Blake, Chief Executive Officer 

1. Introduction

YHA is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all aspects of our operations and supply chains. We take steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking do not occur within our business or supply chain. Employees with concerns should raise them with their line manager, who will escalate to the CEO.

2. Our Structure and Supply Chains

YHA (England & Wales) is a registered charity with the objective: 'To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing a hostel or other accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health, recreation and education.'

YHA was established in 1930 and employs approximately 1,200 people. We work with suppliers in the UK and internationally and aim to minimise risks of modern slavery and human trafficking throughout our supply chain.

3. Policies and Governance

We have policies that support our commitment, including:

• Whistleblowing Policy – enabling employees to report concerns confidentially
• Employee Code of Conduct – setting clear expectations for ethical behaviour
• Supplier Code of Conduct – requiring suppliers to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity, and comply with all laws
• Recruitment Policy – using reputable agencies and verifying right-to-work checks in line with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. This statement has been approved by the Board of Trustees and signed by the CEO.

4. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

Procurement activity is managed within individual departments. Each department is responsible for applying YHA’s due diligence processes and supplier standards, supported by central policies and oversight from senior management.

YHA also works with Purchasing Support Services (PSS), a third-party procurement specialist, to support ethical sourcing and compliance. PSS assists in supplier tender processes as well as supplier vetting and ensures that due diligence processes align with YHA’s standards and the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

In addition to the above, our due diligence process includes:

• Use of supplier questionnaires to assess risk
• Categorising risks as High, Medium, or Low and taking actions to mitigate risk
• Use of unannounced audits where necessary
• Implement action plans for suppliers failing to meet standards, including utilising the services of PSS to mediate and potential termination of contracts

5. Training and Awareness

Modern slavery awareness training is available to all employees and franchisees and forms part of induction for relevant roles. Training covers:

• Definitions of modern slavery
• How to identify risk
• Reporting procedures

6. Monitoring and Effectiveness

Modern slavery is a standing agenda item for YHA’s Risk Management Group. Breaches or suspected breaches are recorded on the Safeguarding or Serious Incidents Log and escalated appropriately. We measure effectiveness through:  

• Supplier compliance checks
• Training completion rates
• Policy reviews

7. Legal Compliance

This statement is published in accordance with Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. YHA’s annual turnover exceeds £36 million, making this statement a legal requirement.