OFFICIAL
CHAIRPERSON
PILOT MODERN SLAVERY MULTIDISCIPLINARY PANEL
Recruitment Information
June 2015
Contents
About the Modern Slavery Multi-Disciplinary Panels
3
Role Description
7
Person Specification
8
How to Express an Interest
9
Terms of Appointment
10
Appendix A – Seven Principles of Public Life
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About Modern Slavery Multi-Disciplinary Panels
National Referral Mechanism
The National Referral Mechanism (known as the NRM) is the process by which people who
have been trafficked are identified, referred, assessed and supported by the Government of the
United Kingdom. The process, set up in 2009 following the signing of the Council of Europe
Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (2005) (the trafficking convention),
has matured during the subsequent years; as at 30 September 2014 approximately 6,800
people had been referred into the NRM since its establishment.
The mechanism is intricate and handles a range of people with a wide variety of needs and
expectations. It is not a single system but comprises a large group of dedicated people,
professionals, immigration staff, police and others working alongside a vibrant and passionate
voluntary sector.
An overview of the current NRM process is below.
Review of the NRM
In April 2014 the Home Secretary commissioned a review of the NRM as part of the
Government’s wider commitment to eradicate slavery and protect victims. The Review was
asked to examine whether the NRM provides an effective and efficient means of supporting and
identifying potential victims of human trafficking and whether it can, or should, cover all victims
of Modern Slavery.
The review, which reported in November 2014, highlighted that the governance of the current
system is fragmented and lacking an overall performance framework. There is insufficient
accountability for the outcomes of the process or the appropriate management of the process
itself. The report makes several recommendations on six key areas: identification of potential
victims; access to support; level of support; decision-making; governance of the NRM; and data.
The report also makes recommendations specifically aimed at protecting child victims of
trafficking.
Following these recommendations, pilots are being established in two geographical areas to
test the effectiveness of decision making by multi-disciplinary panels and referrals by Slavery
Safeguarding Leads. Pilots will run in the South West region and in West Yorkshire.
Multi-disciplinary panels will be comprised of representatives from relevant agencies
organisations and partners with a relevant interest in modern slavery issues and in protecting
vulnerable individuals. Panels will be made up of between 8 to 10 members who will be
nominated by relevant agencies and Chaired by an independent member. Panels will meet
virtually once a month (or as required) to discuss and make decisions on Modern Slavery
cases.
The panel chair will be integral to the effective running of the decision-making panels. Panels
will assess and make decisions on modern slavery cases regularly, depending on the volume of
decisions to be made. Panel chairs will be expected to be flexible in their approach, chairing
virtual panels in either of the two pilot locations, working with a number of nominated panel
members who will be identified by the case management unit.
Panel chairs and panel members will be expected to undertake training of 1-2 days initially, with
follow-up training to consolidate learning as required.
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The Current NRM Process
Referral to a UK competent authority (first responders)
To be referred to the NRM, potential victims of trafficking must first be referred to one of the
UK’s two competent authorities (CAs). This initial referral will generally be handled by an
authorised agency such as a police force, the UK Border Force, Home Office Immigration and
Visas, social services or certain NGOs. The referring authority is known as the ‘first responder’.
The following are currently first responders:
 Police forces
 National Crime Agency
 UK Border Force
 Home Office Immigration and Visas
 Gangmasters Licensing Authority
 Local Authorities
 Health and Social Care Trusts (Northern Ireland)
 Salvation Army
 Poppy Project
 Migrant Help
 Medaille Trust
 Kalayaan
 Barnardos
 Unseen
 TARA Project (Scotland)
 NCPCC (CTAC)
 BAWSO
 New Pathways
 Refugee Council
The first responder will complete a referral form to pass the case to the CA. Referral to a CA is
voluntary and can happen only if the potential victim gives their permission by signing the
referral form. In the case of children their consent is not required.
All completed NRM forms are sent to the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) in the first
instance. The UKHTC will then determine which CA will deal with the case and will forward the
papers if needed.
Competent Authorities
In the UK the two CAs are:

The UKHTC, which deals with referrals from the police, local authorities, and NGOs

The Home Office Immigration and Visas, which deals with referrals identified as part of
the immigration process, for example where trafficking may be an issue as part of an
asylum claim
Once a referral has been made, trained experts in the CA will assess the case and make a
decision on whether an individual is a victim of trafficking. There are several steps in this
process:
Stage one – “Reasonable grounds”
The NRM team has a target date of 5 working days from receipt of referral in which to decide
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whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the individual is a potential victim of human
trafficking. This may involve seeking additional information from the first responder or from
specialist NGOs or social services. The threshold at the Reasonable Grounds stage for the
case manager is “From the information available so far I believe but cannot prove” that the
individual is a potential victim of trafficking.
If the decision is affirmative then the potential victim will be:

allocated a place within Government funded safe house accommodation, if required

granted a recovery and reflection period of 45 days. This allows the victim to begin to
recover from their ordeal and to reflect on what they want to do next, for example, cooperate with police enquiries, return home etc
Stage two – "Conclusive decision"
During the 45 day recovery and reflection period the CA gathers further information relating to
the referral from the first responder and other agencies.
This additional information is used to make a conclusive decision on whether the referred
person is a victim of human trafficking. The CA’s target for a conclusive decision is within the 45
recovery and reflection period.
The case manager’s threshold for a Conclusive Decision is that on the balance of probability “it
is more likely than not” that the individual is a victim of human trafficking.
The first responder and the potential victim will both be notified of the decision. If the referred
person is conclusively identified as a victim of trafficking, what happens next will depend on
their wishes.
What happens next?
Co-operating with police enquiries
The victim may be granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK for one year to allow them to
co-operate fully in any police investigation and subsequent prosecution. The period of
discretionary leave can be extended if required.
Other circumstances
If a victim of trafficking is not involved in the criminal justice process, the Home Office may
consider a grant of discretionary leave to remain in the UK, dependent on the victim’s personal
circumstances.
Returning home
If they are from outside the European Economic Area, the victim can receive help and financial
assistance to return home through the Home Office Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular
Migrants (AVRIM) process. If they are an EEA national, support organisations will put them in
touch with their embassy and any relevant NGOs who may be able to help.
What if the referred person is not found to be a victim?
If at any stage the referred person is confirmed not to be a victim of trafficking then dependent
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on the circumstances they may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency – the
relevant police force or the Home Office.
If it is decided by the Home Office that the person was not trafficked, and there are no other
circumstances that would give them a right to live in the UK, they will be offered support to
voluntarily return to their country of origin. The person can also be offered support to return to
their country if they have been trafficked and do not wish to stay in the UK.
Further Reading
For more detailed information, please refer to:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/interim-review-of-the-national-referral-mechanismfor-victims-of-human-trafficking
http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/about-us/what-we-do/specialist-capabilities/uk-humantrafficking-centre
For further information about the Home Office, please refer to the Home Office website:
www.homeoffice.gov.uk
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Role Description
Title:
Chairperson
Duration:
One year fixed term appointment with the possibility of extension or
re-appointment
Remuneration:
£300 per day.
Time Commitment:
Expected to be approximately 15-20 days per annum (plus 1-2
days training in July 2015)
We are seeking to appoint Chairs for pilot Modern Slavery Multi-Disciplinary Panels in the South
West region and West Yorkshire. The South West region covers Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Avon
and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Chairs will be responsible for:
 managing the panel to ensure that timely and appropriate decisions are made on all
modern slavery cases that are referred to the panel by the Home Office Case
Management Unit;
 reporting back decisions made by the panel on cases submitted to it by the Case
Management Unit;
 ensuring that panel members fulfil their obligations and perform their role effectively; and
 undertaking an administrative review of a decision made by another regional panel where
the decision is or may be challenged.
Upon national roll out of the Panels, all Chairs will be appointed by the Home Secretary
following a fair and open competition. Should the Chairs of the pilot Panels wish to continue, a
new application will need to be submitted. We expect national roll out to take place in autumn
2016.
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Person Specification
The criteria that will be used to assess whether candidates have the required qualities, skills
and experience are listed below.
Given the nature of the role we are looking for candidates who understand the safeguarding
landscape but are not currently employed by a statutory agency or a modern slavery related
non-governmental organisation.
Essential:

Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a personal and professional
demeanour that generates trust and confidence in others.

Strong organisation skills and the ability to effectively chair meetings.

Ability to think logically and objectively in analysing complex information in order to
identify key issues and make effective decisions.

Undisputed personal integrity.
Desirable:

Knowledge of modern slavery issues.

Experience of dealing with victims with an understanding of the law enforcement
perspective OR experience of working in a safeguarding environment in relation to
modern slavery.

Experience of decision making in a challenging environment.
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How to Express an Interest
If you wish to express an interest in becoming a Panel Chair, please supply the following by
noon on Monday 22 June.

A comprehensive CV setting out your career history.

A short supporting statement (maximum two sides A4, minimum 11 font) explaining
why you want the role and how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Please provide specific examples. Please specify which region you would like to be
considered for.

In addition, please also complete and return via email the forms at Annex B, relating to
diversity, nationality, political activity and conflicts of interest.
Expressions of interest should be emailed to publicappointments@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
If you can not apply online, please post applications to the address below and notify the team
on 0207 035 6225/5987:
Home Office
Public Appointments Team
Ground Floor
Seacole Building
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Further Information:
If you have any queries about the nature of the Panel Chair role, please contact
Justine Currell on 020 7035 8205 or at Justine.Currell@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
If you have any queries about the selection process for this role, please contact:
Jason Marday on 0207 035 6225 or at Jason.Marday@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Selection Process
The Home Office Recruitment Team will acknowledge your application and keep you updated
on the progress of the competition.
At the sift meeting the selection panel will consider each application against the criteria outlined
in the person specification. The strongest candidates on merit may be invited to a panel
interview.
If so, interviews will take place in central London and should take no more than 45 minutes.
Further details about the format will be provided to you in advance.
Any decision to appoint to these roles will be subject to the Home Secretary’s agreement. As a
result there may be a delay in informing you of the outcome. If you are successful, you will
receive a letter asking you to accept the appointment. If you are unsuccessful, you will be
notified accordingly.
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Please note: Expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be
reimbursed except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance with the
Home Office.
Indicative Timetable
Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.
Advert Closing Date
Monday 22 June (noon)
Sift Meeting
w/c 6 July
Panel Interviews
w/c 20 July
Terms of Appointment
Appointment Term: You will be appointed to the Home Office, subject to the agreement of the
Home Secretary, for an initial term of 12 months. There may be a possibility of extension
subject to satisfactory performance.
Time Commitment: We anticipate that Panel Chairs will need to dedicate approximately 15-20
days per annum to this role. The number of days may be more or less than 15-20, depending
on the volume of decisions. This will include chairing virtual panel conference discussions,
preparatory work and attendance at some regional/national meetings and events.
Remuneration:
 Chairs will receive £300 per day. The remuneration is taxable through payroll but the
appointment is not pensionable.
 Chairs can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs necessarily
incurred in the course of their duties at rates set centrally by the Home Office.
Location: Panel conference discussions are expected to be held virtually and therefore Chairs
can be home based.
Availability: The successful candidate will be encouraged to take up this appointment by as
soon as possible subject to the successful completion of pre-appointment checks and security
clearance.
Nationality: This is a non reserved post and therefore open to UK Nationals, British Nationals
Overseas, British Protected Persons, Commonwealth Citizens, EEA Nationals of other member
states and certain non EEA family members and Swiss Nationals under the Swiss EU
Agreement. There must be no employment restriction or time limit on your permitted stay in the
UK. In order to confirm your eligibility for this post, please complete the Nationality form found at
the end of this candidate pack. You will not be asked to produce the evidence stated at the
application stage but you will be required to do so should you be invited to the final panel
interview.
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Confidentiality: You will be subject to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act and required to
exercise care in the use of official information acquired in the course of official duties, and not to
disclose information which is held in confidence.
Disqualification for appointment: There are circumstances in which an individual will not be
considered for appointment. They include:





people who have received a prison sentence or suspended sentence of 3 months or
more in the last 5 years;
people who are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order;
in certain circumstances, those who have had an earlier term of appointment
terminated;
anyone who is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors
Disqualification Act 1986; and
anyone who has been removed from trusteeship of a charity.
Further advice about disqualification for appointment can be given by contacting the Public
Appointments Team at publicappointments@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or Jason Marday on 0207
035 6225.
Security clearance: The successful candidate will be required to undertake security checks
before taking up post. Pre-appointment checks will also be undertaken on immigration and
criminal convictions. The role will be offered on a conditional basis until the successful
candidate has passed all checks.
Standards in public life: You will be expected to demonstrate high standards of corporate and
personal conduct. Candidates will be expected to abide by the “Seven Principles of Public Life”
set out by the Committee on Standards in Public Life (Annex A).
Conflicts of interests: The purpose of these provisions is to avoid any danger of Panel Chairs
being influenced, or appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their
public duties. The role requires the highest standards of propriety, involving impartiality,
integrity and objectivity. This means that any private, voluntary, charitable, or political
interest which might be material and relevant to the work of the Panels should be
declared. A separate form is provided for this purpose and any actual or perceived
conflicts of interest will be fully explored at interview stage. It is important, therefore, that
you consider your circumstances when applying for this role and identify any potential
conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived.
Political activity: Members will need to show political impartiality during their time on the Panel
and must declare any party political activity they undertake in the period of their appointment.
The (online) Political Activity Declaration will be kept separate from your application and will
only be seen by the interview panel. It is appreciated that political activities may have given you
relevant skills, including experience gained from committee work, collective decision making,
resolving conflict and public speaking. If, therefore, you have had such experience and you
consider it relevant to your application for this post, you may if you choose include it separately
in the main body of your application.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring: The Home Office is committed to providing equal
opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual
orientation and transgender.
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As part of the application process we ask candidates to complete equal opportunities monitoring
information (form at Annex B). This will help us to monitor selection decisions to assess whether
equality of opportunity is being achieved. The information on the form will be treated as
confidential, and used for statistical purposes only. The form will not be treated as part of your
application.
Interview Access Scheme for Disabled Persons: As a member of the Employers Forum on
Disability, we are committed to actively encouraging applications from people with disabilities.
Applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the
appointment, as outlined in the relevant role description. Declaring a disability for the purposes
of a guaranteed interview is your decision and is entirely voluntary. A copy of the form can be
found at Annex B.
Whether you choose to apply under the Interview Access Scheme or not you can still ask us to
make particular arrangements for you when attending an interview. You can also contact us if
you want to discuss the criteria for the role or have questions regarding your application.
Data Protection
The Home Office takes its obligations under the Data Protection Act seriously. Any data about
you will be held in secure conditions with access restricted to those who need it in connection
with dealing with your application and the selection process. Data may also be used for the
purposes of monitoring the effectiveness of the recruitment process, but in these circumstances
will be kept anonymous. The ethnic monitoring form is used for monitoring the selection process
only. If you do not wish to have these details recorded please return the form uncompleted.
Our data protection policy is in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
If you would like your details to be removed from our records as soon as this recruitment exercise
is complete, please contact Jason Marday on 0207 035 6225.
Complaints
If you are not completely satisfied with the way your application is handled at any stage of the
competition, please raise any complaint in the first instance with:
Jason Marday
SCS Recruitment and Public Appointments Team
Home Office
2nd Floor, Peel Building
2 Marsham Street
London, SW1P 4DF.
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ANNEX A
Seven Principles of Public Life
The principles of public life apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder. This includes
all those who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally, and all people
appointed to work in the civil service, local government, the police, courts and probation
services, NDPBs, and in the health, education, social and care services. All public office-holders
are both servants of the public and stewards of public resources. The principles also have
application to all those in other sectors delivering public services.
Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should
not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or
their friends.
Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other
obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in
the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding
contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public
office should make choices on merit.
Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public
and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and
actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict
information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their
public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects
the public interest.
Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and
example.
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