TO BE PUBLISHED December 2024
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This conference will look at next steps for tackling modern slavery and the future direction for policy under the new Government.
Areas for discussion include priorities for identifying and supporting vulnerable workers, as well as improving multi-agency coordination and overall response to modern slavery.
With statistics published by the Home Office indicating a record high of 16,996 reported cases in 2023 and the Government recently pledging to recruit 200 extra staff to tackle a backlog of modern slavery cases, stakeholders and policymakers will assess the effectiveness of the National Referral Mechanism framework for identifying victims of modern slavery, including the way forward for addressing challenges with victim referral.
Delegates will also look at the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and their recent policy brief on tackling sexual exploitation and supporting female victims of modern slavery, options for future legislation and regulation, and improving data and intelligence sharing, as well as key issues emerging from the recent report published by the House of Lords inquiry into the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which found that the UK is falling behind in its response to modern slavery and its support for victims.
Stakeholders and policymakers will discuss the Committee’s recommendations, including to separate reporting channels between immigration and exploitation related to employment, as well as considering the Committee’s concerns surrounding the changes in the rhetoric used by the last Government regarding the relationship between immigration and modern slavery, and its impact on survivor support and the infrastructure established by the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Sessions in the agenda discuss priorities for improving the engagement and response of commercial organisations and public authorities, as well as how compliance and effective tackling of modern slavery in supply chains can be strengthened, including options for improving supply chain oversight.
With the new EU Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence coming into force in July, mandating companies to identify and address human rights impacts within and outside the EU, delegates and stakeholders will consider practicalities and best practice in proactive safeguarding and human rights measures within corporate operations, as well as how the new measures will impact UK businesses’ supply chain partners.
Further sessions explore the way forward for improving responsiveness in public authorities, frontline agencies, businesses and support services, looking at support for victims of modern slavery, including those who enter the UK illegally.
With increased police reports of modern slavery offences and referrals to the National Referral Mechanism, delegates will discuss implementation so far of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy 2023-2028, alongside the National Crime Agency’s own strategy. Delegates will look at latest thinking on disrupting domestic groups, securing the UK border, maximising international cooperation to cut off supply routes, and plans to increase the number of officers dedicated to tackling serious and organised crime in regional policing.
Further sessions will examine the UK’s role in tackling modern slavery on an international level, with discussion on existing treaties and frameworks, and areas for further collaboration with key law enforcement partners and human rights bodies.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those due to attend include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from DWP; MOJ; Border Force; FCDO; Home Office; ICIBI; NCA; NAO; DBT; Ofcom; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
