Modern slavery is an umbrella term under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which encompasses human trafficking, slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour.
There are different forms of modern slavery. These forms of exploitation might include:
- Sexual exploitation
- Domestic servitude
- Labour exploitation
- Criminal exploitation, including forced begging, acquisitive crime, or drug production
- Organ removal
- Forced marriage
We recognise our duties under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and will continue to partner with West Midlands Police and other law enforcement agencies to help in disruption and prosecution. We also are a proud and active member of the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network, which brings partners together across the region to work on challenges; share best practice; and develop creative solutions for survivor support.
Within the Community Safety Team, there is a dedicated and externally funded Modern Slavery Coordinator (MSC). The role of the Modern Slavery Coordinator aims to ensure that Birmingham City Council meets its statutory obligations, as a local authority, in respect of Modern Slavery Act 2015 and supports partnership approaches across the region. Current priorities for the MSC are:
- To provide a strategic lead on Birmingham City Council’s response to modern slavery with a particular focus on adults
- To develop and deliver modern slavery training and awareness raising sessions for the Council’s staff.
- To support the development of modern slavery referral pathways
- To develop and adopt the Council’s Modern Slavery strategy.
- To drive engagement agenda in order to build productive partnerships and deliver a coordinated, multi-agency and multi-disciplinary approach to modern slavery.
To gain a further understanding of the work we are doing, please see the report below highlighting the work done across 2023.
Important Information
The information below details how to report concerns regarding modern slavery and the support available for victims of modern slavery.