The Human Trafficking Foundation has today published the updated Slavery and Trafficking Survivor Care Standards, a vital resource for frontline practitioners who work with survivors. These Standards have been endorsed by Kevin Hyland OBE, the inaugural Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.  

In October 2017, the UK government announced that it will adopt the Human Trafficking Foundation’s Trafficking Survivor Care Standards and include them in future NRM victim care contracts. The then Minister responsible, Sarah Newton MP explained during a backbench debate on the Modern Slavery Act:

“If a potential victim opts to enter the NRM, we must ensure that the care they receive is consistent and meets minimum standards, regardless of where in the country they are being cared for. That is why the Government will adopt the Human Trafficking Foundation’s trafficking survivor care standards as a minimum standard for victim support”.

In the UK, government funded care to survivors of trafficking is provided through the National Referral Mechanism for identifying victims of trafficking (NRM). In addition to ensuring good standards of care to survivors which respond to individual needs to facilitate recovery, the standards also aim to support the professionals who work with survivors, ensuring that best practice is shared.

When someone escapes from slavery or trafficking their recovery and long-term freedom is not guaranteed. The standard of support, care, information and legal assistance which survivors receive through the NRM is vital to ensure victims of this crime can move on, rebuild their lives and access justice.

The Standards can be accessed here.