Policy Reform for the Victims of Modern Slavery

Project Description

The Wilberforce Institute and The Salvation Army (TSA) are forging a new research and policy partnership around their shared interest to improve support for the victims of modern slavery. This application requests funds to support the development of this partnership for the purposes of future policy-focused research and impact.

TSA holds the UK government Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract that provides support for adult survivors of modern slavery. This was recently renewed on a 5-year contract (see: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery/new-victim-care-contract) The Salvation Army works with partners to provide the victims of modern slavery with:
•Safe accommodation (where needed)
•Practical help and advice
•Interpretation and translation services
•Financial support
•Healthcare to meet physical, emotional and mental health needs
•Specialist legal advice
•Education for school-aged dependent children
•Transport to important appointments
•Future-planning support

The project objectives are to improve internal and external policies in relation to the Modern Slavery Human Trafficking (MSHT) victim and survivor journey. This will be achieved by releasing a member of staff and an interning The Salvation Army to undertake the following outputs:
1.Develop a partnership agreement between the University of Hull and TSA.
2.Finalise TSA’s research and policy strategy and include a funding plan with the Wilberforce Institute.
3.Complete policy research reports of:
•Existing international research and networks within The Salvation Army.
•The case for a longitudinal study of victim and survivor journey. These are based on the following activities:
1.Collaborative in-person working meetings (Wilberforce & TSA).
2.3x team meetings (one in Hull, two in London).
3.Map TSA research base to strategic vision (TSA).
4.Explore longitudinal research models and funding options (Wilberforce).
5.Map outcomes of emerging research and policy strategy to value release for Home Office (Wilberforce & TSA).