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Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Dame Sara Thornton DBE QPM is the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Part 4 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 created the role of the Commissioner.
Strategic Plan 2019-2021

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Victims of modern slavery are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception. Slavery violates human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom and security.

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Strategic Plan 2019 - 2021

Read the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Strategic Plan 2019 - 2021 here.

 

Call for Evidence: Use of the Modern Slavery Act’s Section 45 statutory defence

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has launched a call for written evidence inviting anyone with practical experience and knowledge of cases involving use of the Modern Slavery Act’s Section 45 statutory defence.

To submit evidence or for further information, please click here.

The deadline to submit evidence is 11:45pm on Monday 2 March 2020. 

 

Anti-Slavery Partnership Toolkit

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s (IASC) office, in collaboration with the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, has launched an online toolkit to help local organisations and agencies work better together to tackle modern slavery. You can view the toolkit here: https://iasctoolkit.nottingham.ac.uk/#

 

 

Statutory Agencies

The Commissioner has a UK-wide remit to encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of modern slavery offences. The Commissioner works directly with statutory agencies, who have a duty to co-operate with the Commissioner as set out in the Modern Slavery Act.
NHS
Police
Local Authorities
Immigration Agencies

Recent News & Insights

News | 21 February 2020
IASC Blog: Victims are waiting too long for decisions – The time has come for more radical reform
Spending time with victims and survivors of modern slavery is an important part of my role. Sometimes I visit safe houses, but I have also met victims in churches, asylum seeker accommodation, conferences, offices and on social occasions. I have often been struck by their courage and strength despite having suffered appalling abuse. I have also become gravely concerned about the length of time they are waiting for decisions from the Home Office about their future.
News | 19 February 2020
IASC reaction: Government announces new UK points-based immigration system
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner reaction: Government announces new UK points-based immigration system   The Government has today (19 February 2020) launched a new points-based immigration system with new criteria for migrants who want to work in...
News | 07 February 2020
IASC Blog: A public health approach to modern slavery
Public Health England and the IASC jointly hosted a roundtable this week to discuss a public health approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We brought together a range of academics, policymakers, practitioners and civil society to consider the value of taking a broad preventative approach to modern slavery using public health knowledge and principles.
News | 17 January 2020
Now open - IASC Call for Evidence: Use of the Modern Slavery Act’s Section 45 statutory defence
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has launched a call for evidence on use of the Modern Slavery Act's Section 45 statutory defence
News | 10 January 2020
Dame Sara welcomes HMICFRS report on county lines offending
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today welcomed the findings of a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighting effective use of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 by police in countering county lines offending.
News | 08 January 2020
“Times letters: Merging police forces in England and Wales”
A letter by Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, features in The Times on the impact of outdated police structures on forces’ ability to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.

What do I do if I think someone is a victim of modern slavery?

If you think someone is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999. In order to protect the potential victim, do not attempt to inform them of your actions.

If you think someone is a potential victim but there is no immediate threat to life, please call the local police on 101.

You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 24 hours a day.

If you have information you wish to give anonymously and confidentially you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

See the ‘Resources’ page for more detailed guidance on how to refer a victim of modern slavery for support.

 

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