Role: Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA)

Salary: £26,500 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Birmingham, West Midlands

Fixed term until 31^st October 2024

Closing date for applications - 9th October 2023

IMSA Job Description and Person Spec

Are you looking for an innovative opportunity to support survivors of modern slavery in the West Midlands?

Are you passionate about ensuring survivors of modern slavery receive the care and support they are entitled to and deserve?

Have you got skills and experience in trauma informed and person-centred support?

West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network (WMASN) connects the various agencies involved in tackling modern slavery in the West Midlands and beyond.  We have developed an effective regional multi agency anti-slavery network to raise awareness, reduce the threat and harm of slavery, and rescue and support survivors of slavery in the West Midlands geographical area. We develop strategic partnerships and collaborations with other regional, national, and international organisations to tackle modern slavery, including networks, partnerships, agencies, and learning establishments.

We are currently recruiting an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) to work across the West Midlands to raise the profile of slavery and trafficking, with a particular focus on adult exploitation.

The role will work under the supervision of a Lead IMSA in developing the current and future service delivery.

The role will work innovatively to shape the concept of an IMSA, with a view to assisting agencies in identifying, safeguarding, and supporting potential adult survivors. This may require the delivery of awareness and training, whilst also working closely with First Responders to tactically advise in a manner that secures the best outcome for survivors.

In addition, the IMSA will work as part of a small team to support male survivors of slavery and/or trafficking in our Place of Safety (SafePlace) in Birmingham. The latter is evolving as a service, and the IMSA will be required to work as part of a team to shape existing and future provision. Future provision will include providing outreach support to potential survivors of slavery and trafficking.

The SafePlace team will consist of the Lead IMSA and an IMSA. There is also a plan to recruit a further IMSA who will be available to support Safe Place if required. The role of an IMSA is a key part of the survivor’s journey from referral (including meeting those referred and conducting a needs assessment) to providing a safe exit onwards to longer term support, and meeting the survivors needs alongside the rest of the team.

Knowledge of the impact of modern slavery and human trafficking on an individual is essential, as is experience in health, social work, or working with vulnerable adults. A good understanding and awareness of the rights and entitlements (including immigration, housing and benefits legislation) of migrants, trafficked persons, asylum seekers, and refugees is required as this role will be using this knowledge to advise survivors of their rights.

Experience of adult safeguarding would be advantageous.

Training will be provided during an induction, as well as opportunities for continuous training and development whilst in post.

SafePlace – A pre-NRM safe house for male survivors of modern slavery.

The Place of Safety (SafePlace)  is an independently supported, pre-National Referral Mechanism safe house for men who have experienced exploitation, addressing a gap in the sector’s support provision. The project initially focuses on the men’s basic needs such as safety, food, clothing, accommodation, subsistence, and access to medical services. The project then considers each individual’s rights and entitlement to support as a survivor of modern slavery. Safe Place IMSA’s will work with other key organisations to help service users understand what help they should be getting and how they can advocate for themselves in the future. The key principle of the project is informed choice for the service user. Although the project’s support is short and temporary, the long-term impacts for survivors can be significant. Survivors leave Safe Place with a greater understanding of their rights, and with an ability to advocate for them in the future.

Awarded the Marsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Fight against Modern Slavery for Rebuilding Lives (2021)

West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network’s organisation values are at the core of all that we do, the successful applicant will be an individual who shares these values with us:

We unite
We are accountable
We are kind
The survivor is at the centre of all that we do,
We do no further harm
We encourage innovation to drive and affect change.

Employee support:

• Regular 1-1s with your line manager
• Access to clinical supervision with a counsellor to manage workplace stress, vicarious trauma, and wellbeing
• Peer support from the SafePlace and wider team
• Peer support from the West Midlands Anti Slavery Network in working groups and networking
• Lone working support from StaySafe including access to the StaySafe team for mental wellbeing support.
• 29 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (in lieu if you are required to work on a BH).
• 6% employer pension contribution
• Support with your professional development and access to training opportunities

WMASN is committed to inclusive employment practices, and we encourage applications from individuals who have lived experience of the issues our organisation addresses, and applicants from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. We encourage applicants to think creatively about how they can meet the requirements of the person specification if there are essential criteria you do not meet, so please do describe this in your application. We are looking for talented individuals who align with our values and support our mission – there are no barriers to how you demonstrate this. 

An enhanced DBS check will be required.

How to apply – please forward your CV with a supporting statement describing how you feel you meet the criteria referred to in the person specification. Please forward your CV and supporting statement to: harriet.roberts@thehrpartner.co.uk Applications without a supporting statement will not be considered. Interviews to be held w/c 16^th October (in person).

IMSA Job Description and Person Spec

If you would like an informal discussion about the role please contact Donna Pryor, Business Manager, donna.pryor@westmidlandsantislavery.org 07907 479477

Closing Date for Applications – 9^th October 2023