Human Trafficking Foundation: Key Insights from the April 2025 Advisory Forum

NGOCSTIP – Human Trafficking Foundation (HTF) presents the April 2025 Advisory Forum newsletter, offering vital updates and key insights from the anti-trafficking community. This fortnightly publication reaches over 1,600 individuals actively engaged in combatting human trafficking. It serves as a platform for HTF Forum members to share details about events, projects, research, and job opportunities. Additionally, the newsletter highlights recent surveys, publications, and ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing human trafficking globally.

Upcoming Events and Surveys

HTF is hosting an online forum titled Who Profits From Exploitation and Can We Stop It? on April 30, 2025. The forum will focus on modern slavery, examining how forced labor and criminal exploitation occur. Experts will explore the systems and people that enable exploitation and discuss possible prevention strategies. The event will take place online from 2 to 4 p.m.

Another important initiative is the Modern Slavery Prevalence Estimation survey conducted by the Rights Lab, in partnership with the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s office. This survey aims to analyze the methodologies used to estimate modern slavery prevalence. The data will help inform future research and policy. The anonymous survey closes on April 18, 2025.

HTF is also sharing a survey from Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX), which focuses on creating secure reporting channels for survivors in London. This survey helps identify how immigration data is collected and shared, ensuring survivors can report crimes without fear of retaliation.

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Expression of Interest and Parliamentary Events

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is seeking feedback on the design of a 24/7 remote support service for victims across England and Wales. This support service will offer emotional and practical help for victims, witnesses, and third parties. The Expression of Interest (EOI) Questionnaire deadline is April 2, 2025.

In Parliament, several events marked the 10th anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. These events included discussions on whether the Act is still effective after ten years. A briefing, signed by 48 organizations, was presented to MPs before a debate in the House of Lords.

Reports and Publications

The Home Office Action Plan on Modern Slavery outlines strategies to combat modern slavery over the next 12 months. The plan includes four primary pillars: prevention, identification system reform, victim support, and improving criminal justice outcomes. The Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029 also addresses issues related to violence and criminal exploitation in London. It highlights new services designed to support children and young adults, particularly those exploited by criminal networks.

The Slavery and Human Trafficking in Supply Chains guidance document provides detailed instructions for businesses on how to create modern slavery statements. It also outlines actions companies should take to ensure their supply chains are free from modern slavery.

The International Collaboration Guide: Tackling UK-Romania Human Trafficking provides guidance on collaboration between the UK and Romania to tackle human trafficking. It includes cultural insights and information on legal frameworks and judicial cooperation.

Upcoming Events and Training

HTF encourages participation in several upcoming events. The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline 2024 Annual Assessment webinar will present data from the Helpline, covering trends in exploitation, the volume of cases, and demographics of victims. This event will take place on April 30, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Migrant Workers in The Agricultural and Care Sectors in the UK webinar will feature experts discussing the impacts of restrictive visa policies on migrant workers. This event, hosted by Durham University, will also feature UN Special Rapporteur on Slavery Professor Tomoya Obokata. It will be held on April 28, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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Vacancies in the Anti-Trafficking Sector

Several organizations are recruiting for positions in the anti-trafficking field. The Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) is seeking a Service Manager. The Medaille Trust is recruiting for a Modern Slavery Caseworker Assistant in Southampton and Thanet. Stronger Together is hiring an M&E Consultant for the Seasonal Worker Scheme Taskforce.

These roles offer an opportunity to work directly with survivors or contribute to the broader mission of fighting human trafficking and exploitation.

HTF Resources and Survivor Support

HTF continues to provide resources for the anti-trafficking community. Additionally, the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) offers consultancy services, providing expert advice and training. Moreover, HTF also offers a Survivor Hub, an online platform connecting survivors with job opportunities, mental health support, and legal resources.

Furthermore, HTF’s Emergency Support Fund provides grants for survivors to meet immediate needs. In addition, the organization also maintains the London Modern Slavery SPOC Directory, which lists Single Points of Contact in statutory authorities across Greater London. These resources work together to create a more comprehensive approach to supporting survivors and combating human trafficking.

Important Directories and Resources

HTF’s London Directory of Services compiles a list of organizations offering support to survivors of modern slavery in London. The Mapping Survivor Support Services map helps identify available services across the UK. These resources are vital tools for professionals working with survivors to ensure they receive the necessary support.