First responders and consent

When working with adult survivors of modern slavery it is essential to gain the informed consent of the individual. For an adult to provide their informed consent, a first responder must explain:

• What the NRM is.

• What support is available through it.

• What the possible outcomes are for an individual being referred.

First responders should also make it clear that information may be shared or sought by the SCA from other public authorities, such as the police and local authorities, to gather further evidence on an NRM referral.

The online referral should only be completed for adults when a member of staff from a designated first responder organisation suspects someone is a victim of modern slavery and where the adult concerned has understood the implications of, and consented to, the referral.

It is not to be used as an interview record but as a means for the first responder organisation to provide as much information as possible to the SCA to enable a decision to be reached.

This does not prevent the first responder from approaching the potential victim to obtain further details where appropriate, while avoiding placing them under unnecessary additional stress or trauma.

When working with child survivors of modern slavery first responders should always submit an NRM form. Children do not have to give informed consent to enter the NRM.

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