OnDemand: Tackling Modern Slavery Conference 2026: Strengthening Frontline Responses
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*Presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared
2026 Overview
Despite legislative progress through the Modern Slavery Act 2015, modern slavery remains a persistent and evolving threat across the UK. Economic pressures, global displacement, labour shortages in key sectors, and organised criminal networks continue to drive exploitation. At the same time, the increasing politicisation of the National Referral Mechanism, combined with high evidential thresholds, has raised concerns among practitioners that genuine victims may struggle to access protection and support.
Supporters Included
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr Marija Jovanovic, Research Fellow in Business and Human Rights, Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford
Keynote: Foundations of Practice for Survivors of Human Trafficking
- Reflection on the development of the international response to human trafficking
- The structural and procedural framework for all National Referral Mechanisms
- Practical trauma-informed methods for all professionals working with survivors
- Evidence-based outcome sets for adults and children
Rachel Witkin, Lead Consultant and Writer OSCE/ODIHR NRM Handbook, Author, The Trauma Informed Code of Conduct (TiCC), Exec Director, Modern Slavery Community of Practice
Keynote: Improving Professional Responses to Victims of Human Trafficking
- Examining common failings in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases
- Understanding the barriers victims face within the criminal justice system and how systemic issues can impede access to justice
- Practical recommendations for police, prosecutors, and local authorities to improve identification, safeguarding, and case outcomes particularly for victims of child criminal exploitation
- Encouraging stronger professional practice and multi-agency collaboration to ensure victims are treated effectively and fairly
Bernie Gravett, Director, Counter Trafficking Network
Case Study: Restoring Belief, Reducing Criminality: Modern Slavery and Immigration
- Modern slavery provisions in the Nationality & Borders Act 2022, the Illegal Migration Act 2023, the Safety of Rwanda Act 2024 and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025
- The impact of the legislation on survivors, law enforcement and wider responses to modern slavery
- The projected impact of part 5 of the Immigration & Asylum Bill 2026
Hilary Agg, Head of Policy & Research, Unseen
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Supporting Migrants at Risk of Labour Exploitation
- Understanding how migration status can increase vulnerability to exploitation
- Barriers preventing victims from reporting abuse
- Building trust with migrant communities and improving reporting pathways
- Strengthening collaboration between community organisations and statutory services
Sophie Levack, Immigration Lawyer, Policy Officer, and M&E Manager, KALAYAAN
Emelie Dela Cruz Rodriguez, member of the Campaign Group, KALAYAAN
Case Study: Navigating Homelessness: Housing Challenges Faced by Survivors of Modern Slavery
- The relationship between modern slavery and homelessness
- Key research findings on survivors’ housing experiences
- Barriers to safe and sustainable accommodation
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Policy and practice recommendations for improving housing outcomes
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Interview with a person with lived experience of modern slavery and homelessness
Dr Júlia Tomás, Human Trafficking, Senior Policy and Research Lead, The Passage
Mila Mihaylov, Member, Experts By Experience Panel, The Passage
Questions & Answers
Lunch
Keynote: Strengthening Labour Market Protections to Prevent Modern Slavery
- Outlining the strategic priorities of the Fair Work Agency and its role in strengthening labour market enforcement and worker protections
- Highlighting the importance of intelligence sharing and partnership working between regulators, law enforcement, local authorities, employers, and support organisations
- Discussing future action to improve compliance with labour rights, prevent exploitation, and support victims across the UK
- Considering how frontline practitioners can work with enforcement bodies to identify risks and disrupt exploitative practices
Matthew Taylor CBE, Chair, Fair Work Agency
Questions & Answers
Keynote: Anticipating Exploitation: Understanding How Exploitation May Evolve
- Exploring how futures methodologies, expert engagement and futures thinking, can support the identification of emerging exploitation risks and inform strategic decision-making
- Drawing on the findings of Anticipating Exploitation: A Futures Analysis to examine how modern slavery and human trafficking could evolve over the next decade and the key drivers likely to shape future exploitation
- Examining the impact of technology, artificial intelligence, economic pressures, conflict, displacement and domestic vulnerability on changing patterns and emerging forms of exploitation
- Considering the implications for frontline responders and identifying strategic actions to strengthen prevention, victim protection and the disruption of offenders
Dr Elaine Wedlock, Head of Strategic Analysis, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Rosemary Wildblood, Business Development Lead, Decision Analysis Service
Siôn Cave, Managing Consultant, Decision Analysis Service
Case Study: Multi-agency Working to Improve Outcomes for Victims and Advocate for Change
Nick Walton, Operations Manager, West Midlands Anti Slavery Network
Case Study: Providing Long-Term Support to Survivors
Shanice Brown, Training and Resource Lead, The Salvation Army
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Dr Marija Jovanovic, Research Fellow in Business and Human Rights, Bonavero Institute of Human Rights, University of Oxford
Conference Close
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OnDemand
Full access to the OnDemand conference – get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content, including recordings of the sessions and downloadable presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared.
2026 Speakers
Rachel Witkin
Lead Project Consultant and Writer for the OSCE/ODIHR NRM Handbook and Director, MSCOS Community of Practice
King’s College London
Bernie Gravett
Director
Counter Trafficking Network
Sophie Levack
Immigration Lawyer, Policy Officer, and M&E Manager
KALAYAAN
Dr Júlia Tomás
Senior Policy and Research Lead
The Passage
Testimonials
I really enjoyed the conference, I found it extremely helpful to hear from other agencies about how they are tackling modern slavery and human trafficking, and it gave me lots to think about in my own organisation
Excellent and well run conference with a range of valuable inputs
This training really improved my knowledge of Modern Slavery and has definitely opened my eyes as to what to look out for when visiting addresses/locations, and how to support victims of Modern Slavery. I would recommend this training to anyone who wants to broaden their knowledge in this field
There is a need for a centre led advice, instruction, networking service. This event ticked all of my expectations and hopes. I learnt something from every speaker which is testimony to its validity
Support and Information
Some of the issues explored in this programme may be difficult or personally relevant. If you have been affected by the subject matter, specialist organisations are available that may be able to provide information, advice and support. View support and advice.
Please note that we are a professional conference and learning provider and are not a crisis or specialist support service.
