Advisory Forum Newsletter

This newsletter is an opportunity for Human Trafficking Foundation (HTF) Forum members to publicise events, projects, research, campaigns and job opportunities. You can see recordings or download minutes of our previous online events here. 

This newsletter goes out to over 1000 individuals working in anti-trafficking. To share information for the webpage or newsletter, please contact [email protected]

HTF Announcements

Are You a Survivor Interested in Delivering Training? 
The Human Trafficking Foundation is looking to work with survivors of trafficking or family members of survivors to help deliver a series of online training workshops on modern slavery. Audiences will be community groups and statutory services in London. The purpose of this project is to bring lived experiences into learning to help improve understanding, attitudes and services.

This is a three-month project beginning immediately. You will be trained to deliver training and do not need prior experience and you will be remunerated for your time. As this is a paid role, applicants must have the right to work in the UK and have availability for the project 2.5 days a week until the end of March 2022. Please email [email protected] by 14^th January to express your interest.  

Call for Input in HTF’s Newsletter
Survivor-informed knowledge is critical in shaping the priorities of the anti-trafficking sector. To contribute to the ‘Survivor Voice’ section of the HTF newsletter please email [email protected]

HTF’s Online Forums Feedback Survey
As we plan our next online forums, we would like to hear from you on how these meetings can best support you and what topics you would like us to address in future forums. Please take this short survey to tell us more. 

Nationality and Borders Bill

Bill Update January 2022
The Nationality & Borders Bill is currently in its second reading stage in the House of Lords. The Rights Lab’s updated consideration paper and executive summary on Part 5 of the Nationality and Borders Bill provides an overview of the clauses relating to modern slavery and in-depth evidence and research base for MPs, Peers and the anti-slavery sector to support activity through the parliamentary process.

NGOs in the anti-slavery sector are working with Peers to table amendments to Part 5, including a new clause to replace 62 which currently disqualifies victims from protection based on their criminal record. 

Read the Home Office response to the CEO letter here.

Reports & Publications

Center for Social Justice Report
This report entitled  ‘Out from the Shadows’ looks at the support for victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery with no recourse to public funds. The report explores the shared experiences of the victims of these hidden crimes, to understand and compare the support available and the impact of immigration status and having no recourse to public funds, on recovery and the pursuit of justice. The paper outlines how enabling these victims to access support, housing, and security can stop abusers and slavery gangs in their tracks as well as supporting the pursuit of justice.

Home Office Guidance on Data Sharing
This publication sets out the Home Office and Police data sharing arrangements on migrant victims and witnesses of crime with insecure immigration status in response to super-complaint by Liberty and Southall Black Sisters. This super-complaint focuses on how information about victims of crime and witnesses with insecure immigration status is passed to the Home Office for immigration enforcement. This Home Office response concludes that the data-sharing should continue as it’s in the ‘public interest.’ Read FLEX’s response here.

Cycles of Exploitation Lumos Report
Lumos’ new report ‘Cycles of Exploitation: The Links Between Children’s Institutions and Human Trafficking’ brings together case studies and research from across the world to reveal four different cycles of trafficking in which orphanages and other institutions play a central connecting role. It exposes the global patterns of institution-related trafficking where children are trafficked both into and out of institutions and exposed to multiple forms of exploitation and harm. Access the recording of the launch event here.

Joint Committee on Human Rights Report on Nationality and Borders Bill
A report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights has criticised a lack of clarity in key clauses of the Nationality and Borders Bill relating to Modern Slavery. The report states that in its current form the Bill needlessly casts doubt on the credibility of potential victims of trafficking or slavery based on how quickly they can submit evidence. The Joint Committee warns that victims forced into criminality by the gangs who trafficked them could find that this Bill acts as a barrier to seeking justice under the legislation. 

ECPAT Snapshot of Child Trafficking in the UK 2021
This snapshot report provides an outline of child trafficking in the UK between October 2020 and October 2021, including the latest data, policy developments, examples of promising practice and challenges faced by practitioners. It concludes with a series of ten practical recommendations aimed at a range of stakeholders. 
 

Survivor Alliance Conversations of Empowerment Report
Survivor Alliance has published a report on stories of empowerment told by fourteen survivors. Survivor Alliance says: ‘this is a compilation of stories embraced by groups of leaders who have the determination to move further in their dreams and engage in building community.’

Announcements

Ministry of Justice Open Consultation
The Ministry of Justice’s consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system is a step towards the ‘Victims’ Law’ – a Bill that will build on the foundations provided by the Victims’ Code. This consultation seeks to understand how victims can be better supported through and beyond the criminal justice process across England and Wales.

CPA Resources to Address Trafficking Through Sport
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)  with Mission 89 have created resources to increase the knowledge of parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, officials, and other stakeholders on the issues of human trafficking through sport, particularly ahead of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Events & Training

Launch Event: Adult Modern Slavery Pathway
In response to a growing understanding of the relationship between homelessness and modern slavery, and increasing numbers of exploitation concerns in their client base, the SIFA Fireside Adult Support Hub (the central hub for homeless and vulnerably housed adults in Birmingham) embarked on an innovative piece of partnership work in January 2021 with the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network and Birmingham City Council. The launch event takes place on 19th January, 10 am register here. 

St Marys University Modern Slavery Course
This St Marys University course, starting 10th February 2022, provides the knowledge, understanding and practical skills for individuals to identify, support and care for victims of modern slavery who they may meet in their work. The Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery Exploitation and Abuse, together with Snowdrop, worked with the wider sector and Skills for Care to produce a national training standard launched in 2020. This module is aligned with Tier 3 of the Training Standards Framework. Find out more on the course here.

Vita Network County Lines Webinar and Safeguarding Training 
Upcoming webinar exploring county lines with speaker Kendra Houseman looking at the true nature of county lines, gang and criminal exploitation from a child’s perspective to better identify, support and safeguard children and young people who may be victims. January 18th 6.30 pm. Find out more here. The Vita Network is also hosting online safeguarding survivors of modern slavery training on 1st February see their website for more information. 

Public Policy Exchange Event on Tackling Gang Crime
The Public Policy Exchange is hosting a webinar entitled ‘Tackling Gang Crime: Preventing Violence and Exploitation, Supporting Young People and Strengthening Police Responses’ on February 17th 2022. For more information and to register click here.

Vacancies

Barnardo’s Vacancies
Barnardo’s Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship Service has several vacancies including an Independent Child Trafficking Guardian working directly with children who have been trafficked and a Regional Practice Coordinator which is an indirect role, supporting professionals who are working with children who have been trafficked.
 
ATLEU Vacancies
There are currently two opportunities to join ATLEU, a leading anti-trafficking and human rights charity, in the newly created roles of Policy Manager and Survivor Engagement and Participation Coordinator. The deadline to apply is January 24th and further information about both roles can be found here.

STOP THE TRAFFIK Vacancy
STOP THE TRAFFIK are recruiting a new Research and Data Analyst as part of the ‘Aman Safety’ team, a project which aims to keep refugees and asylum seekers safe from trafficking as they travel through Greece and Turkey. Please find more details about the vacancy on their website here

HTF Resources

Survivor Support Emergency Fund
The Human Trafficking Foundation established the fund with a grant from the Vandervell Foundation. We supplement this with funding from other supporters. The fund is available to help survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery with small one-off grants to meet their immediate needs when no other sources of funding are available. Further information including how to apply is available on our website.

London Directory of Services 
HTF has created a Directory of Services, bringing together details of support agencies for survivors of modern slavery across London. The Directory is a live document, with more organisations added all the time. Access it now on our website under resources. If there is an organisation you think should be included, or to amend any information please email [mailto:[email protected]%C2%A0][email protected].

Mapping Survivor Support Services
Our map of the UK survivor support services aims to be a useful tool for people working with survivors to see what services are available in their area. View the map here. If your organisation provides support of any kind to survivors of trafficking and would like to be added to the map, please complete the surveys which relate to your organisation’s work: Accommodation, Post-Identification Casework, Outreach Support and/or Individual Advocacy, Drop-in Services, Legal Advice – Legal Aid, Legal Advice – Non-Legal Aid, Specialist Psychological or Therapeutic Support, and Vocational Training or Education. Please email [email protected] for further information.

London Modern Slavery SPOC Directory 
The Human Trafficking Foundation has been working with local authorities in the Greater London area to support the development of their response to modern slavery and human trafficking. As part of this, we produce an annual directory of Modern Slavery Single Points of Contact/Champions in statutory authorities across London including representatives within the NHS, police and local authorities. Please contact [email protected] to request a copy of the directory.