In early July 2022 a consent order was made between the Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit (ALTEU) and the Secretary of State for Justice confirming that the Secretary of State would develop guidance on victims and potential victims of modern slavery for prison staff. That guidance has now been published.
The aim of the guidance is to help prison staff to understand what modern slavery is and how to spot the signs and take action. Importantly, it explains what the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is and how the referral process works, including what ongoing support might be necessary after a reasonable or conclusive grounds decision.
It provides information on how to safely support and manage those at risk of or who have been confirmed as victims of modern slavery within the context of accommodation, translation and interpretation services, medical treatment and information on accessible rights and services, including assistance during criminal proceedings. A prisoner needs assessment form has been developed to assist in identifying what support might be needed.
Guidance has also been produced for prisoners, to assist with their understanding of what modern slavery is and to confirm what support might be available to anyone who thinks they might have been a victim of modern slavery.
