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Primary Category: Exploitation
Last Update: 12/06/2025
Creation Date: 12/06/2025
Expiry Date: 30/06/2026
Modern Slavery – National Referral Mechanism
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support and protection. It’s a process where first responder organizations refer individuals suspected of being modern slavery victims to the Home Office, where a decision is made on whether they are a victim.
- The NRM is a system that helps identify and refer individuals who may be victims of modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour, and other exploitative practices.
- It provides a pathway for these individuals to access a range of support services, including medical care, accommodation, legal advice, and financial assistance.
- The NRM operates under the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which made it a legal requirement for certain organizations to notify the Home Office if they suspect someone is a victim of modern slavery.
2. Who can make a referral to the NRM?
- First Responders: Designated organizations like police forces, local authorities, specified NGOs, and government agencies are authorized to make referrals to the NRM.
- “Duty to Notify”: First responders have a legal duty to notify the Home Office if they believe they have encountered a potential victim of modern slavery.
3. What happens after a referral?
- Reasonable Grounds Decision: The Home Office makes an initial assessment within 5 days to determine if there are “reasonable grounds” to suspect the individual is a victim of modern slavery.
- Conclusive Grounds Decision: If a “reasonable grounds” decision is made, the Home Office may then make a “conclusive grounds” decision, confirming that the individual is indeed a victim.
- Support Services: If a positive decision is made, the individual is eligible for a 45-day recovery and reflection period, during which they can access support services and legal advice.
4. Importance of the NRM:
- The NRM helps to ensure that potential victims of modern slavery are identified and provided with the necessary support to recover from their experiences.
- It plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators of modern slavery accountable.
- It also helps to raise awareness about modern slavery and its impact on individuals.
