Annex A: National Referral Mechanism (NRM) – Northern Ireland

What is the NRM?

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK’s framework for identifying and supporting potential victims/victims of modern slavery and human trafficking - which includes all forms of child exploitation. It ensures that potential victims/victims are referred to appropriate support services and that their cases are assessed by a Single Competent Authority within the Home Office.

How It Works in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the NRM operates similarly to the rest of the UK but with some region-specific considerations:

First Responder Organisations: Only designated organisations can refer potential victims/victims into the NRM. In Northern Ireland, these include: -
PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland)
Belfast Airport Police
Belfast Harbour Police
Health and Social Care Trusts
Women’s Aid
Youth Work Alliance
Independent Child Guardian Service - Barnardo’s
Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority
Certain parts of the Home Office:
UK Visas & Immigration
UK Border Force
UK Immigration Enforcement

Referral Process

Children: Should be referred to the NRM without needing consent.
Adults: Must give informed consent before a referral is made.
Referrals are submitted through the online digital referral system- first responders can find the referral form here: Report modern slavery – GOV.UK.
Support Services: Potential victims/victims referred through the NRM may receive:
Safe accommodation
Living expenses
Access to health and social care
Legal and immigration advice
Access to counselling

Why Use the NRM?

Statutory defence - The NRM helps ensure that victims are not prosecuted for crimes they were forced to commit.
Ensures children are seen as victims.
Helps authorities identify patterns of exploitation.
Provides a structured process for assessing and responding to modern slavery cases.
Provides data on the scale of the issue which can inform our work to respond appropriately

Further Information

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-trafficking-victims-referral-and-assessment-forms/national-referral-mechanism-guidance-adult-northern-ireland-and-scotland