“I believe that change is possible and that we must remain steadfast in our mission.” Reflecting back on the year, we are so appreciative for the collaboration and engagement with the resources we created for the local government and business sectors to address modern slavery risks. The organisations we work with are exceptionally busy year-round, especially first responders, and we are grateful for their passion and continued commitment to address this issue. The release of our licensing report, a Home Office-funded project, was a highlight for us. Licensing and enforcement officers nationwid ..read more

The statement of licensing policy is the cornerstone that sets out the remit and strategic objectives of local licensing authorities. In the second section of our latest report, “Understanding the Potential of Licensing Frameworks and Teams to Tackle Modern Slavery in the UK,” we delve into how local councils can update these policies to directly address modern slavery.   What is a Statement of Licensing Policy?  A statement of licensing policy is a document that provides detailed guidance on how local authorities uphold national legislation across a wide range of licensable act ..read more

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a troubling increase in needle-spiking incidents, a phenomenon that gained widespread attention starting in late October 2021. According to a Home Affairs Committee Report on spiking, needle spiking appears to be a unique issue to the UK, with 499 out of 525 reported incidents occurring in 2021. Shockingly, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reported a staggering 1,032 cases of needle injection between September 2021 and December 2022, with a peak in incidents coinciding with the start of the university year. By January 26, 2023, this number had in ..read more

The number of people identified as victims of modern slavery has been rising year on year in the UK, with over 16,000 people referred to the authorities in 2022. However, this number is likely to represent just the tip of the iceberg with estimates suggesting that only around 10% of victims are identified and provided with support. Modern slavery is estimated to contribute to a staggering economic cost of £33 billion per year, with labour exploitation being the most common form of modern slavery in the UK affecting adults.   While high-profile cases, such as the recent allegations of ..read more

In 2015 the UK Government passed the Modern Slavery Act. It was considered a milestone both domestically and across the globe, being the first piece of legislation specifically addressing modern slavery and human trafficking in the 21st century. It improved support and protection for people affected by modern slavery, empowered law enforcement to tackle these crimes, and laid out punishments for traffickers.   One of the most pioneering changes the Modern Slavery Act introduced was provision to encourage business to take action to ensure their end-to-end supply chains are slavery free. Th ..read more

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