Reporting routes and the National Referral Mechanism

There is always somewhere to take a modern slavery concern. Which route you use depends on urgency and where the concern arose.

Immediate danger: 999

If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harm, call 999 and ask for the police. Do not wait, do not go through internal channels first, and do not worry about being wrong. Immediate risk to a person always comes first.

Concerns at work: report internally

For concerns connected to your workplace, a colleague, a supplier, a contractor on site, use your organisation's reporting route. Depending on your organisation this may be your line manager, HR, a safeguarding lead, or a whistleblowing channel. Report promptly, stick to facts, and hand over any notes you made. Internal reporting exists so the organisation can act on its legal and moral duties, and so concerns reach the authorities in a coordinated way.

The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700

The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 is open to anyone: potential victims, workers, employers, and members of the public. It is confidential, independent of government, and staffed by trained advisers who can give guidance on a situation, take reports, and connect people to support. If you are unsure whether what you have seen amounts to modern slavery, the helpline is a good place to talk it through. You can also report to the police on 101 where there is no immediate danger.

The National Referral Mechanism, in outline

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK's framework for formally identifying victims of modern slavery and arranging support, which can include safe accommodation, financial support, and legal advice. Referrals into the NRM are made by designated "first responder" organisations, including the police, certain public bodies, and specified charities. Adults must consent to being referred; children do not need to consent. You do not refer anyone yourself. Your report, internally or to the authorities, is what starts the process that can lead to an NRM referral by those equipped to make it.