More than 600 adult survivors of modern slavery will receive access to an accredited, independent advocate as part of a new UK pilot.
Survivors of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual abuse have access to accredited, dedicated professionals to advocate alongside them, specially trained to help people with complex trauma and with backgrounds in fields like social work and legal advocacy.
Prior to this new pilot, this provision did not exist for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, who have been controlled and cruelly exploited in ways that often result in complex, long-term recovery needs.
Over the next three years, 24 Independent Modern Slavery Advocates® (IMSAs®) will be employed at organisations across the UK to work alongside adult survivors. New IMSAs will complete a special Post Graduate IMSA Certificate and be supported by a central hub that is hosted within Hope for Justice, a global anti-trafficking organisation.
Tim Nelson, CEO at Hope for Justice, said: “We want to end the postcode lottery that adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking are experiencing in the UK. We know there are lots of organisations already doing amazing work with survivors to reach positive outcomes. But we believe that by working together and setting new standards of excellence across the sector, we can strengthen our approach to ensure that adult survivors are given the best possible chance at rebuilding their lives after exploitation.”
Several organisations are now employing IMSAs as part of this pilot, including Unseen UK, Medaille Trust, Bawso, SOHTIS, Hope for Justice, and the Snowdrop Project. This has been made possible by a £1 million National Lottery award. Collectively, we have advocated alongside 121 survivors since the pilot began six months ago.
The pilot has already enabled survivors to access more of the support that they are entitled to. Significant outcomes include:
- Securing suitable housing for 10 survivors, who said they feel safe and secure in their accommodation, and able to independently maintain this.
- Successfully challenging 17 Home Office NRM decisions so these victims are now formally identified and can access support.
- Securing humanitarian protection for one young adult survivor, which was critical for their recovery.
IMSAs have also advocated for survivors to have secure status, medical provision, mental health support, education, and employment.
One mother described this independent advocacy as ‘life changing’ for her and her child after escaping the threat of a male trafficker. In a letter to her own IMSA, which she chose to share publicly, she said: “We are free of him, and that alone is incredible. You have fought our corner tirelessly, when I did not have the strength to do so myself, you have stood beside us every step of the way. I will never forget the countless hours you spent listening so carefully, advocating so fiercely, and working relentlessly. You continued to support me, to write letters, to chase answers, and to navigate the many nuances and complexities of my case with patience and determination. At times when I have been dismissed, belittled or re-traumatised by professionals, you helped me to heal. You helped me rebuild trust, believe in myself, and slowly find my voice again. That support has been life changing.
The IMSA role aligns with international guidelines for independent advocates as recommended by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and is also informed by those with lived experience and modern slavery experts across the UK.
Louise Mensah, Head of Frontline at Unseen, said: “At Unseen, we strive to work towards a world without slavery, and this pilot is a step towards that. We are excited to be part of something that will further develop services with the goal of improving outcomes for survivors, changing their futures.”
Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, said: “Medaille Trust is excited to be partnering on the IMSA pilot. We are looking forward to working with other organisations to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”
The final intake for organisations to join the pilot and employ their own IMSA is May 2026. For more information and to apply, visit: www.hopeforjustice.org/imsa/
