Modern slavery is defined within the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and categorises offences of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Modern slavery forces someone into the position of exploitation. This may involve: forced labour (in agriculture, construction, hospitality etc.), domestic servitude, sham marriage (not a genuine marriage, one party seeks immigration advantage), removal, begging, drug cultivation, forced marriage (guide), illegal adoption, the prostitution of adults, child sexual exploitation and organ harvesting (trade of human organ or other tissue for means of transplantation).
The West Yorkshire Police YouTube video tells you more about the National Referral Mechanism, the Home Office process that provides support to victims of Modern Slavery.
The West Yorkshire Police YouTube video tells you more about the section 45 defence for Modern Slavery victims and how it safeguards victims involved in criminality.
Child Exploitation Risk Identification Tool
The Child Exploitation Risk Identification tool will help you decide whether a child or young person may be at risk of criminal exploitation or more than one form of child exploitation.
LSCP Training
The Modern Slavery session covers the Modern Slavery Act, types of modern slavery, vulnerabilities and control methods used by traffickers as well as a brief overview of the National Referral Mechanism which offers support to any potential victim identified.
First Responder Training If you are from an organisation authorised to refer potential victims of modern slavery into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) you may undertake First Responder training. The role of the First Responder is to identify and refer potential victims of modern slavery into support, where appropriate. Doing so will often be challenging and you may have to deal with complex situations. This programme provides guidance on how to spot the signs of modern slavery, and what to do when you come across a potential victim of modern slavery. This programme aims to give you confidence to follow procedures swiftly and with compassion. The course takes around 45 minutes to complete.
The Leeds Pledge to tackle Modern Slavery
The pledge represents the city’s commitment to:
- Recognise and believe victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
- Identify and pursue perpetrators
- Ensure victims are safeguarded, supported and empowered to have a life free from slavery and abuse
- Increase awareness of the signs of modern slavery and the support available for victims across all communities in Leeds
- Seek to encourage all businesses in Leeds to remove slave-based labour from supply chains
- Root out and endeavour to eradicate modern slavery in Leeds.
The LSCP Chair has signed this pledge on behalf of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership.