The Government must stop dragging its feet over a new anti-slavery watchdog

It has now been 12 months since the UK has had an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, a watchdog role to “encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of modern slavery offences and the identification of victims.”

As a group of anti-slavery and human rights organisations, we are seriously concerned that the appointment of a new Commissioner has been left to drift for so long.

This is particularly worrying in the current climate, where changes to legislation are likely to make the identification of modern slavery victims more difficult, and could prevent them getting the right support.

As we pass the milestone of one year without a Commissioner, we are calling on the Government to urgently appoint someone to this post.

The new watchdog needs to be truly independent so they can work, unhindered by political interference, for the good of modern slavery victims and survivors.

These people are some of the most vulnerable in society, and will have experienced all manner of horrors, from forced labour, to being trafficked for sex.

They deserve a dedicated public servant who understands the reality of modern slavery and can act as their champion. Having someone in this role is not only a legal requirement. It is also the mark of a civilised country. 

Signed,

Julia de Boinville, Co-Founder, The Anti-Slavery Collective

Major Kathy Betteridge, Director Anti-Trafficking & Modern Slavery, The Salvation Army

Emily Chalke, Co-Director, Ella’s

Jamie Fyleman, Development Director, Justice and Care

Joy M Gillespie, CEO, SOHTIS

Jared Hodgson, CEO, Hope at Home

Tim Nelson, CEO, Hope for Justice

Ed Newton, CEO, Causeway

Caroline O’Connor, CEO, Migrant Help

Tom Stancliffe, CEO, TRIBE Freedom Foundation