Kevin Hyland OBE, whose commissioner role was created as one of the key provisions of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, sent a letter of resignation to Prime Minister Theresa May earlier this month.

In it, he praised the PM’s “personal leadership”, particularly for securing “ground-breaking legislation in the Modern Slavery Act 2015” when May was Home Secretary, and that his position “is recognised as one of the key provisions of the Act, particularly in respect of independence, which is vital for success of the role”. 

However, he goes on to spell out his concerns about the full extent of independence in his role: “At times independence has felt somewhat discretionary from the Home Office, rather than legally bestowed. I hope that any future incumbent can be assured the independence I am sure you intended as the author of the legislation.”

In response to Hyland’s letter, the PM said: “I am grateful for your service in this extremely important role and believe you should be rightly proud of your achievements.

“As the first incumbent of the role, you made a significant contribution to shining a spotlight on the scale and nature of modern slavery in the UK and internationally, and have helped drive progress in the UK response to modern slavery.”

The Home Office will begin a recruitment process for the appointment of Kevin Hyland’s successor shortly.

Hyland is to take up the position of CEO at charity ChildFund Ireland.

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