Research and analysis

An evaluation of the National Referral Mechanism pilot

This report presents findings from an evaluation of a pilot of changes to the National Referral Mechanism.

Documents

An evaluation of the National Referral Mechanism pilot

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An evaluation of the National Referral Mechanism pilot: data tables

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Details

The National Referral Mechanism is the means by which potential victims of modern slavery in the UK are identified and are able to access support. This process involves an initial reasonable grounds decision on whether someone is a potential victim of modern slavery followed by further information-gathering, leading to a conclusive grounds decision.

The pilot aimed to streamline the process and improve decision-making.

Overall, the evaluation findings are mixed. There was little change in decision outcomes and timeliness of conclusive grounds decisions, but the initial reasonable grounds decisions were made faster and there were positive perceptions of the multi-disciplinary panel decision-making process.

Published 26 October 2017