Identification of adults with lived experience of modern slavery in the UK

This report outlines the findings of a project that examined the formal procedure for identifying adults with lived experience of modern slavery in the United Kingdom 

The report focuses on three main areas:
1) identification related training provided to First Responder Organisations;
2) qualitative and quantitative data related to the National Referral Mechanism and
3) qualitative and quantitative data related to the Duty to Notify.

In particular, the project undertook a first-of-its kind-analysis of the Duty to Notify data for 2020 and 2021 (provided by the Home Office under a Memorandum of Understanding) and analysed reasons why adults with lived experience of modern slavery refuse to be referred into the NRM.

The objectives of the project

1) To quantitatively and qualitatively assess identification-related training available to statutory and non statutory First Responder Organisations, as well as to design, in partnership with First Responders, a pilot framework for assessing training effectiveness.

2) To identify good practices, as well as good practice structures, that increase the quality of referrals into the NRM.

3) To explore identification patterns, including gaps and promising practices, according to the characteristics of adults with lived experiences of modern slavery (including, inter alia, exploitation type, gender, and FROs involved in the referral), both in relation to NRM referrals and DtN reports

4) To explore the meaning and understanding of 'informed consent' and the reasons why adults with lived experience of modern slavery decide to give (or not to give) consent to enter the NRM.

The report is organised as follows:

Part 1 briefly introduces the key international and domestic standards for the identification of adults with lived experience of modern slavery in the UK. It also highlights challenges and shortcomings in the operation of the UK's framework for identification that have been noted in the academic and policy literature.

Part 2 explores training as a key factor in improving the identification of adults with lived experience of modern slavery, drawing on findings from the expert analyses of training materials, focus group discussions, and survey. This part of the report also emphasises the need for enhanced monitoring and evaluation of training provided to First Responders based on findings from the Co-Creation Workshop.

Part 3 focuses on the National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify data. It discusses findings from the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data, providing a detailed analysis of trends and patterns - both demographically and from a referral standpoint - across two timeframes: 2020-2021 and 2022.

Part 4 considers reasons for not entering the NRM based on a detailed analysis of DtN data from 2020 to 2021. It also explores the meaning of 'informed consent' and provides an analysis of the current gaps in identification, including (mis)representation of the NRMand referrals without consent.

Part 5 concludes with a number of recommendations on improving the identification of adults with lived experience of modern slavery, linking the project findings to broader considerations around training, identification, support, and protection. The project was funded through an open call for proposals by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery PEC), which in turn is funded and supported by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Report Authors: Dr Noemi Magugliani, Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci and John Trajer 

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