How different organisations can identify and better support victims
Attended by almost 100 delegates and organised by the Commissioner’s office with support from Pan Lancashire Anti Slavery Partnership, the ‘table top exercise’ worked through different scenarios on how to spot the signs of modern slavery and to understanding how different agencies roles and skills can best be used to help get people to safety.
This event builds on the work already done in Lancashire, with training sessions over the course of the last two years delivered by Hope for Justice, which saw over 500 people trained from across the public sector and non-governmental organisations – a course which later won a Training Journal Award for Best Public Service/Not for Profit Programme. Training through the Partnership is ongoing.
The Commissioner’s office also links in with other organisations nationally, sharing best practice and ensuring that all the work in Lancashire is consistent with approaches across the country.
Commissioner Grunshaw said:
“Tackling modern slavery is a key priority for us in Lancashire, with training like this an important part of the work that continues to be done, all aimed at helping those being exploited whilst bringing offenders to justice.
“We know there are vulnerable victims out there and every organisation at this training today has a role to play in helping Lancashire police take necessary action to protect them.
“I am proud of the resources I have put into this fight, which places us at the forefront of anti-trafficking work nationally, and is a really important part of making our communities safer.”
DS Abi Finch Hall, Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Co-Ordinator at Lancashire Constabulary said: “Working collaboratively is the key to tackling this form of exploitation and Lancashire Constabulary will continue to explore opportunities to work with partners to help eradicate human trafficking and modern day slavery from Lancashire.”
