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<p>We have introduced a series of reforms to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
since 2017 to improve the identification and support of potential victims of modern
slavery.</p><p>To achieve quicker and more certain decision-making a new Single Competent
Authority (SCA) was launched in April 2019 to handle all NRM cases and provide high
quality, timely decisions for victims. Independent Multi-Agency Assurance Panels were
also set up to review all negative conclusive grounds decisions on cases referred
directly to the SCA, adding an additional level of scrutiny to such cases.</p><p>A
new digital referral system was also launched in 2019 to support the NRM process,
making it easier for those on the front line to refer victims into support by providing
a single point for referrals across the UK.</p><p>In July 2020, the Home Office produced
an e-learning module to help First Responders identify potential victims of modern
slavery and make referrals into the NRM when appropriate to do so. We are committed
to working with First Responder Organisations to ensure they have the right training
and tools to identify potential victims.</p><p>Building on the successes of this work,
we are now taking a fresh look at the system to ensure it delivers on its objectives
through the NRM Transformation Programme. This Programme will introduce a series of
changes to ensure victims have their cases settled promptly, receive support tailored
to their recovery needs from the outset, and are empowered to move on with their lives.
We also intend to streamline the decision-making process through operational improvements
so that victims are identified at the earliest stage and receive the right kind of
support at the right time, ensuring decisions taken are robust, effective and meaningful.</p><p>Additionally,
we are seeking to test an alternative decision-making model for children, to empower
local authorities with responsibility for children’s social care to make decisions
about whether children are victims of modern slavery in conjunction with local safeguarding
partners.</p>
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