This briefing aims to inform the development of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s (IASC) first Strategic Plan.
The briefing has been prepared by the Modern Slavery PEC’s lived experience engagement, policy impact, research and partnerships teams. It is based on evidence generated by Modern Slavery PEC-funded and other research, the Modern Slavery PEC Policy Briefs and Explainers, and the Centre’s firsthand experience of working to influence modern slavery policy and engage lived experience experts.
The recommendations are grounded in our assessment that influencing, convening, collaborating and scrutinising are the four main levers available to the Commissioner to deliver her statutory functions under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
We recommend:
- Meaningful inclusion of people with lived experience of modern slavery: ensure that the Commissioner’s own objectives and activities are informed by meaningful, ethical and equitable engagement with lived experience experts, and advocate for increased involvement of lived experience experts across the modern slavery sector.
- Supporting research and better use of data: ensure all Commissioner’s activity is informed by robust evidence and support the further building of the evidence base on modern slavery, by partnering with and influencing data owners and evidence producers.
- Prevention: encourage greater prioritisation of prevention in the UK’s strategic response to modern slavery.
- Survivor identification and support: encourage greater prioritisation of early identification and protection in the UK’s response to modern slavery and encourage participation of people with lived experience of modern slavery in the design, development and evaluation of policies and interventions that affect them.
- Domestic and global supply chains: encourage strengthening of the UK’s policy response to forced labour in domestic and global supply chains and promote best practice across businesses.
- Law enforcement and criminal justice: advocate for measures that strengthen modern slavery survivors’ engagement in the criminal justice system.
- International: share best practice internationally about the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s role with other similar anti-slavery Commissioner roles.
This briefing was shared with the Commissioner in March 2024.
12 principles of professional engagement of lived experience
The following 12 core principles to support healthy engagement of those who hold lived experience of modern slavery were developed by the PEC’s Lived Experience Engagement Team, drawing on experience of working directly with people with lived experience of modern slavery, including the Centre’s Lived Experience Advisory Panel.
This document was first published in to support the PEC’s briefing on the Independent Commissioner's Strategic Plan, however, we view this as a living document that we will continue to discuss with the Lived Experience Advisory Panel and other survivor-led activities, and to update in line with our learnings.
Be mindful of power dynamics
Power dynamics influence relationships, particularly when working with those who have lived experience of modern slavery and human trafficking. Failing to address them can limit meaningful engagement and productivity. Inequality in power often stems from social and economic disparities, making it essential for professionals to create equitable relationships.
Lived experience expertise
Acknowledge that lived experience experts (LEEs) bring more than personal experiences - they offer deep insights into systemic issues that cannot be gained from literature alone. They should be treated as professionals, not just as survivors.
Avoiding tokenism
Tokenism creates a false sense of inclusion while reducing lived experience experts’ agency - ensure inclusive, meaningful and transparent engagement rather than using LEEs to justify pre-existing plans.
Trauma-informed practice
Trauma-informed engagement is a continuous practice that fosters safe spaces, avoiding re-traumatisation and ensuring LEEs are valued for their skills. Professionals should be trained in trauma-informed methods to prevent patronising or avoidant behaviours.
Avoid gatekeeping
Avoid gatekeeping spaces, work or projects, even if it’s a well-meaning attempt to protect people out of concerns over the kinds of experiences they have had. Let lived experience experts decide what work to undertake, providing information and following the trauma informed practice.
Early and sustained co-production
LEEs should be involved from the earliest stages of projects, including budgeting, design, and delivery. Co-production ensures power is shared, fostering meaningful engagement.
Inclusion
It is important to ensure that a broad range of experiences are included and heard. Engagement should reflect diversity in gender, age, race, nationality, and other factors.
Safeguarding
Implement safeguarding measures to minimise risk of harm to anyone involved, including addressing issues such as mental health, anonymity, privacy and financial.
Fair remuneration
LEEs should be fairly compensated for their contributions, with payments covering emotional labour and additional costs. Timely payments, expense coverage, and support in navigating financial barriers are crucial. Fair remuneration is important to factor into a project’s budget at the outset.
Transparency and informed consent
LEEs must have full agency over their participation. Transparent policies and clear communication prevent re-exploitation. Lived experience experts should be able to withdraw or retract information if needed.
Empowerment
Empowerment equips and provides LEEs with the opportunity to exercise their own agency and independence. LEEs should have access to training, technology, and professional development opportunities.
Equity
Equitable engagement ensures they can participate on equal footing, preventing systemic exclusion. A commitment to equity, inclusion, and shared power is essential in working alongside LEEs, ensuring they are not just heard but valued as experts.
