Issue details

Justice and Care is an international Non-Governmental Organisation operating in the UK, Europe, United States, Bangladesh, Thailand and India. They provide a network of in country and international services to support victims and survivors to reintegrate, reduce risk of re-exploitation, and support prosecutions to prevent further offending from the ir exploiters. The service provides a dedicated Victim Navigator embedded with the Greater Manchester Challenger team, specifically the Modern Slavery Coordination and Investigation Unit.
Since the Navigator role was introduced in December 2019 they have:
• Triaged over 4,200 cases/intelligence with potential modern slavery elements
• Provided strategic advice to 67 cases
• Supported 26 victims with care plans
• Supported seven prosecutuions of which three have resulted in convictions totalling over 22 years in custodial sentences collectively (not all prosecution processes have been completed)
• Trained 120 police officers and other stakeholders

Considering the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the criminal justice system, securing four convictions in the last 12 months of this work is a significant achievement. Of the four prosecutions that have not yet gone to trial, one involves an individual charged with 60+ offences, including modern slavery offences.

Overall, 95% of individuals the navigator is working with support engaging with the police, whilst 88% have actively been engaged in the process by supporting a prosecution or providing ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) interviews.

The service has been fully funded by Justice and Care from December 2019 to December 2022, with a £4,000 contribution made annually from the Ministry of Justice Victims Fund to cover immediate victim care needs. Between January 2023 and December 2023, Justice and Care will continue to fund 50% of the costs of the service, with an expectation that the remaining funds will be provided locally. The costs arising from the changes in funding arrangements will be covered by the Challenger budget for the duration of the 50% contributory period.