Today marks the official launch of a pilot to ensure that survivors of modern slavery across the UK have access to an accredited independent advocate.
Survivors of other complex crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and stalking have access to accredited, dedicated professionals to advocate alongside them. However, this vital provision is not yet available to adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.
That is why Hope for Justice, the British Red Cross, Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, the Snowdrop Project and SOHTIS are spearheading a new pilot through which organisations across the four nations of the UK will employ Independent Modern Slavery Advocates® (IMSAs®).
IMSAs work alongside survivors to help them understand their rights and to navigate the complex systems and support services available in the UK. With help from an independent advocate, survivors can overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their recovery. Such one-on-one advocacy also reduces their risk of being re-exploited.
Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips MP, who has responsibility for modern slavery on behalf of the UK Government, spoke at the event in London via video message. She says of the IMSA model: “I am impressed to see, through development of this model that organisations from across the sector have worked together to create a great support offer… This is about building something that survivors can trust, and professionals across the sector can rely on.”
She also welcomes the strong involvement of survivors in its development, saying: “I commend the fact that this model was shaped with the voices of survivors at its core. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and listening to survivors, hearing their stories, their resilience and their hopes for the future. These conversations continue to leave a lasting impression on me, and serve as a reminder that all survivors must receive high-quality support, which is why the work you do is so important. “
The IMSA model has been endorsed by the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, who is speaking in person at the event. She said previously: “This programme is a great example of a collaborative approach that places survivors’ needs at the heart of it. The IMSAs’ advocacy work for victims and survivors of the most appalling crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking is so important.”
Launch event in London and online today
The launch event, ‘Independent Modern Slavery Advocacy: Working Together for Lasting Change’, is taking place at the offices of Ashurst Law Firm in London and online. Other speakers include lived experience consultants and representatives from key stakeholders Hope for Justice, British Red Cross, Snowdrop Project and SOHTIS.
Attendees heard about the next steps in the IMSA project, to pledge their commitment to the project, and to participate in the national pilot which will see 24 IMSAs employed by 23 organisations across the UK. The event brings together professionals working in the modern slavery sector, individuals with lived and learnt experience and those who are interested in learning more about independent advocacy.
Photos from the IMSA Model pilot launch event in London. Photo credit: Sophia Mackenzie Media
Bethan Hunt, IMSA Model Development Manager at Hope for Justice, said: “IMSAs are that constant person who stays with a survivor as they move in and out of other timebound services. It is vital that individuals who have been exploited are empowered to overcome barriers that often arise throughout their recovery journey. Survivors are expected to navigate a web of complex services including but not limited to immigration, mental health support, court processes, compensation, safe and stable accommodation. IMSAs have specialist knowledge and skills to advocate for survivors ensuring they access their rights and entitlements and are facilitated to be within a secure environment, from which they can move towards their own definition of justice.”
Survivors shaping the strategy
Survivors have been consulted, embedded and engaged at each stage of the project; the IMSA Model creates opportunities for those with lived and learned experience to join the project board, shape strategy, sit on the advisory group and to train to become IMSAs.
Nancy Esiovwa, a Lived Experience Consultant who will be speaking at the event, shares her thoughts in depth in this separate interview. She said: “I had access to an IMSA at Hope for Justice. It would be great for all survivors to have someone who is in their corner, fighting for them, like I had. The challenges to accessing support are huge, so having someone who will not underestimate the barrier or the problem that a decision will cause for the survivor, having the right IMSA to do that, will be great for survivors. It will help survivors to understand the process and help them through that process, supporting them mentally and helping them break things down.”
Hope for Justice has provided independent advocacy for more than 15 years, during which time we have seen the immense impact of IMSAs in improving outcomes for survivors of modern slavery, preventing re-trafficking and facilitating access to justice.
Kerry Brighouse, UK Programme Director at Hope for Justice, said: “Survivors of modern slavery have to navigate complex systems that can often feel overwhelming and intimidating. An IMSA works with the survivor, providing an expert, independent voice. We know, through 15 years of delivering independent advocacy, that this can make a profound difference in a survivor’s ability to achieve justice and recovery.”
Photos from the IMSA Model pilot launch event in London. Photo credit: Sophia Mackenzie Media
Funding and next steps
Funding for the national pilot was awarded by the National Lottery earlier this year, providing just under £1 million over four years to enable the IMSA Model to be rigorously tested. The pilot will see 23 organisations employ IMSAs to work within different sectors and locations. Each IMSA will be required to complete accredited training, a Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert), from the Bakhita Centre at St Mary’s University. The first cohort of IMSAs will begin the course in September this year.
Photos from the IMSA Model pilot launch event in London. Photo credit: Sophia Mackenzie Media
There is broad support for IMSAs from organisations across the UK anti-slavery and anti-trafficking sector. Dr Júlia Tomás, Human Trafficking Policy and Research Manager at The Passage, said: “Having dedicated my career to combating modern slavery, including creating a successful and sustainable Modern Slavery Service in a homelessness charity, I can unequivocally state that Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) are indispensable…IMSAs guide survivors through complex systems and ensure access to vital services. National implementation is a moral imperative to empower survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
To apply to become an IMSA-employing organisation, please complete this application form: Apply to become an IMSA® Employing Organisation
