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

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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

You can still report modern slavery as a member of the public, or report it yourself if you are a potential victim/victim. Call the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 101, the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 or report it online