The National Referral Mechanism
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a three stage process:
STAGE 1 - First Responders
STAGE 2 - Reasonable Grounds Decision
STAGE 3 - Conclusive Grounds Decision
You will only be involved in Stage 1, but you should know about the full process.
Please note: If you are not comfortable explaining this process to the victim, you can get help from organisations like TARA. They have experience and can help you, or they can talk to the victim to explain the situation, without being caught up in the referral process.
TARA for example can provide help via a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Psychologist.
STAGE 1 - First Responders
A potential victim of trafficking is identified.
An agency categorised as a First Responder will refer him/her to a Competent Authority.
First Responders in Scotland:
- Police
- Designated NGOs - Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA), Migrant Helpline
- Local Authorities Social Work Services (for children)
- UK Borders Agency
Competent Authorities in the UK:
- United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC)
- United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA)
Important
Agencies who are not First Responders (e.g. NHS and other health and social care staff)
should contact one of the First Responders above for onward referral. This
should only be done with the permission of the person.
Any referral to the NRM is voluntary. A decision not to pursue referral must be respected.
Click 'STAGE 2 - Reasonable Grounds Decision
STAGE 2 - Reasonable Grounds Decision
The Competent Authority will decide whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the individual is a potential victim of human trafficking:
The Reasonable Grounds Decision.
Aim: Decision within five working days of referral.
The First Responders and the person concerned will be notified by letter of the outcome.
If the decision is positive: Recovery and reflection period of 45 days during which the victim will be provided with support and protection while deciding what s/he wants to do.
If the decision is negative: The person will not be entitled to the same protection and assistance afforded to trafficked persons.
Click 'STAGE 3 - Conclusive Grounds Decision'
STAGE 3 - Conclusive Grounds Decision
During the 45 day reflection period, the Competent Authority gathers more information and makes a full and conclusive decision on whether the person is a victim of trafficking:
The Conclusive Grounds Decision.
Again, notification of the decision is made by letter.
For further information, please click on the link below:
UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC)