Introduction by the Commissioner
"Since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was passed, much has been achieved to improve our awareness and understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking. I have seen firsthand the dedicated teams across the UK who work tirelessly everyday to support victims of modern slavery and pursue the perpetrators of these crimes. I commend their commitment.
These are solid foundations to build on. Now we must push forward if we are to achieve the UN Sustainability Development Goal of ending forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking by 2030. Tackling modern slavery is everyone’s business."
Eleanor Lyons,
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Policy Briefs & Strategic Initiatives
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner champions effective responses to modern slavery and human trafficking across the UK and beyond.
Here are the Commissioner’s policy briefings, strategic initiatives, and consultation responses—highlighting key issues, influencing policy, and driving systemic change to protect victims and prevent exploitation.
If you work in the media and would like to get in touch, please contact us at mediaenquiries@antislaverycommissioner.independent.gov.uk.
IASC’s Priorities
The IASC’s Strategic Plan outlines the priority areas of the IASC’s work throughout their term. It is a three-year Plan which was developed after extensive consultation, a series of visits across the UK and engagement with lived experience advisory groups.
The core objectives detailed in the Plan are to: 1) Prevent exploitation and encourage a collaborative approach by making tackling modern slavery everyone’s business; 2) Protect vulnerable victims and improve identification and support; and 3) Increase prosecutions and support victims through the criminal justice system. This is underpinned by two objectives to improve knowledge and understanding of modern slavery and to ensure survivors’ voices are heard in everything the Office does. As the Plan was submitted to the Home Office in April and will be laid in front of Parliament.
Prevention
Preventing modern slavery and revictimsation
Protection
Protecting victims: Improving victim identification, the NRM, victim care and support
Prosecution
Prosecuting offenders and supporting victims through the criminal justice system
Cross-cutting themes and focus:
Integrating lived experience perspectives into anti-slavery policy and efforts
Improving our knowledge and understanding of modern slavery
The IASC will represent all victims, with a focus on: children and young people; woman and girls; UK nationals; those affected by recent legislation
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing, but not limited to: slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Its victims are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, often controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion, grooming and deception.
Slavery violates fundamental human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom, and security.
Help and Support
If you or someone you know is being or has been exploited, or you are unsure if someone needs help, you are not alone. Assistance and advice is available.
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