A pilot of the national Cleaning Accountability Framework highlights our commitment to labour rights and modern slavery prevention.
UNSW has become the first university in Australia to receive a Cleaning Accountability Framework (CAF) rating.
In the 2024–2025 financial year, the University piloted the CAF University Portfolio Rating Tool, a recognised anti-slavery and labour rights initiative. The pilot assessed the ethical standards in the cleaning supply chain across 32 Lower Campus buildings. UNSW achieved a bronze rating for foundational compliance with key labour protections and responsible contracting standards.
“This rating reflects the work our team has been doing behind the scenes to support ethical cleaning services and create a safer, fairer environment for workers who contribute to our University every day,” said Paul Harrigan, Cleaning Manager, UNSW Estate Management.
Modern slavery prevention by supporting an ethical cleaning service
CAF is a recognised leader in human rights due diligence for cleaning services and is widely used to reduce risks such as modern slavery in facilities supply chains.
The University’s submission for a Portfolio Rating was strengthened by:
- collaboration with cleaning contractors committed to CAF standards
- job security guarantees during contract changes
- oversight of subcontracting and workplace safety
- independent whistleblower and grievance access for cleaners
- staff training on labour rights and modern slavery.
UNSW is now developing an action plan to work towards a silver rating in the coming years, further strengthening our commitment to ethical and transparent cleaning services.
This initiative supports UNSW’s broader Modern Slavery Prevention Policy and forms a practical component of our strategy to address modern slavery in our operations and supply chain. It also contributes to the University’s strategy to enable Progress for All by embedding ethical practices and social responsibility in the way we deliver essential campus services.
For more information, please read our 2024 Modern Slavery Statement, approved by Council on 2 June 2025.
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