To support frontline professionals and community groups who may encounter potential victims of modern slavery or those at risk of exploitation, The South Yorkshire Modern Slavery Partnership has developed a Pocketbook for Professionals.
The Pocketbook has been developed to address a gap in local knowledge of what modern slavery is, how to spot a potential victim of modern slavery and the appropriate referral pathways.
The Pocketbook is available to support professionals to:
- Understand what modern slavery is and the general indicators to look out for.
- Be informed on the referral process for potential victims of modern slavery – known as the National Referral Mechanism.
- Signpost to relevant local services across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
The Pocketbook is available as an interactive online resource but also as a hard copy which will be distributed to local frontline staff across multiple sectors including: the police, healthcare, housing, benefits, social care, immigration solicitors, charities and community groups.
“We’re delighted to share this regional resource to support frontline workers and those working with high-risk communities to understand and spot the signs of modern slavery and to appropriately signpost potential victims for support to reduce their risk of further harm” said Megan Bethell, the Coordinator of the South Yorkshire Modern Slavery Partnership.
The Pocketbook has been made possible with support from the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Barnsley Council, Doncaster Council, Rotherham Council, Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield Diocese and the Clewer Initiative.
View the interactive Pocketbook for Professionals online or email SYMSP@ashianasheffield.org to find out more information and to request a hard copy.
Supporting Partners quotes:
“Tackling Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is a priority for all partners working under the umbrella of the Sheffield Safer and Sustainable Communities Partnership. The Partnership recognises the importance of staff being able to recognise the early signs of exploitation and ensure vulnerable people receive targeted support and positive interventions. This guide represents a critical tool for frontline staff in our efforts to combat all forms of exploitation and keep Sheffield safe.” – Paul Wood, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, Sheffield City Council and Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton. South Yorkshire Police, Chairs of the Sheffield Safer and Sustainable Communities Partnership.
