Exploring the Impact of Recent Legislation on NRM Uptake 

Rights Lab project lead: Laura Sawyer 
Funder: UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner 
Duration: November 2024-March 2025 
Programme: Health and Communities 

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. Consent is required for an adult to be referred to the NRM. There is anecdotal evidence that there is an increasing number of victims are refusing to enter the NRM and therefore are not receiving the support provided through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) commissioned exploratory qualitative research to investigate the reasons why victims are refusing to enter the NRM and what measures might be taken to reduce NRM refusals.  

The project examined key reasons for NRM refusals and developed recommendations for interventions to reduce refusals and areas for further investigation. It analysed the impact of recent policy changes or perception of impact of policy changes; advice provided by NGOs and first responders; support for victims that is available outside of the NRM; the potential effect of different types of exploitation and changing forms of exploitation; any correlation with demographics and geographic variables. The evidence review included new interviews with NGOs, analysed NRM data, and presented policy, delivery and research recommendations.