National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

The NRM was introduced in 2009 and is the official nationally recognised system for identifying a victim of modern slavery in the UK. The NRM provides support and a 45 minimum day reflection period for the victim if certain conditions are met. In order for a potential victim to access the NRM this must be initially referred by an authorised agency, known as a First Responder.

The table below shows all current First Responders.   The Home Office has created an online learning tool to support First Responders to better understand the NRM, which can be accessed using the link below. 

Please click here to find out more about use of the NRM from the Home Office

Please click here to start either the online NRM/DTN form on the official government website

Please click here to access the online First Responder training from the Home Office 

Duty To Notify (DTN / MS1 Form)

Many victims themselves do not identify as victims or realise the situation they are in is exploitative and equates to modern slavery. For this reason the official numbers provided by the NRM do not adequately reflect the true scale of modern slavery in Greater Manchester (and indeed the rest of the UK). As a result the DTN was introduced in November 2015 to help plug the gap of those potential victims that fit within this criteria. The NRM figures in addition to the DTN figures should therefore give a more accurate overview of the scale of modern slavery in Greater Manchester and ultimately within the UK. It is important to note that DTN referrals can be completely anonymous so no personally identifying details of the potential victim have to be shared.

Please click here to start either the online NRM/DTN form on the official government website  

ICTGS (Independent Child Trafficking Guardianship Service - formerly Independent Child Trafficking Advocates)

In addition to the NRM and DTN outlined above, any child that has been subject to modern slavery must be referred to the ICTG service provided by Barnardo's. The benefits of the ICTG service have been invaluable in supporting children and could support in reducing missing and re-trafficking.

Please click here for full details and how to refer into ICTG or for further advice on the official Barnardo's website  

 Additional Help / Guidance

In addition to the official guidance and links provided above, if you would like to discuss any aspects of the NRM / DTN please feel free to use the contact section of this website and a member of the team will be in touch.