Applications open for next phase of UK modern slavery pilot 

Organisations are being invited to join a national pilot that aims to transform the help available to survivors of modern slavery in the UK. 

The IMSA® Model Development Project has opened applications for organisations that want to employ and train an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate®, to enhance the services they provide. 

To join, organisations must support their chosen staff member in completing a bespoke postgraduate certificate, delivered remotely by St Mary’s University, Twickenham. 

Organisations that meet the project requirements may be eligible to have all their course fees covered. The application form for organisations interested in taking part is below:

Backed by a £1 million National Lottery award, the IMSA Model Development Project is testing the impact of the newly developed IMSA role. 

Independent Modern Slavery Advocates work alongside adult survivors of trafficking, helping them understand their rights, navigate complex systems and make informed choices about their own recovery. 

This is the fourth opportunity for organisations to join the project and enrol a staff member on the course. 

So far, 15 organisations have joined the pilot, employing 31 IMSAs and Senior IMSAs between them. 

Bethan Hunt, IMSA Model Development Manager at Hope for Justice, said: “IMSAs are making a big difference to the lives of survivors of modern slavery in all four nations of the UK. They provide expert advocacy across a range of areas, such as helping survivors secure suitable housing and access legal representation. 

“Our long-term aim is for every survivor across the UK to have the opportunity to work alongside an IMSA.”

For the next stage of the pilot, the project team is particularly interested in hearing from statutory service providers, as well as organisations based in London and the east of England.