PCC funding available: grant to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Giles Orpen-Smellie, is inviting applications for funding from non-statutory organisations that can support hidden victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

The most commonly reported forms of human trafficking and modern slavery involve sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, domestic servitude, forced criminality or the removal of human organs.

Many have their identity documents confiscated and have most of their earnings withheld as 'payment' for living costs, or for their journey to the UK.

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Giles Orpen-Smellie, said: “My office is responsible for commissioning practical and emotional support services for victims of crime in Norfolk. Hidden crimes such as modern slavery and human trafficking are, unfortunately, an insidious violation of people’s rights and difficult to detect once their freedoms have been denied.

“The successful commissioned provider will work with the Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership (NCCSP), which now sits with the PCC's office. This will encourage effective partnership working through mutual support, and will go a long way to safeguard victims and improve their confidence to report crimes.”

The £125,000 funding, awarded from the PCC’s commissioning budget, will support one service provider over a three-year period, beginning 1 April 2023, to deliver support for vulnerable people aged 18 and over, including men, women and those with protected characteristics who have been or are at risk of being exploited across Norfolk.

The PCC is looking for a service that will offer immediate independent support and an initial response to those who have been subject to modern slavery and exploitation in Norfolk, and have been identified as such by police intelligence, operations or investigations.

Projects under this fund will need to support county and national policies and strategies.

The successful provider will work alongside The Salvation Army, which is the nationally appointed specialist support agency for all adult victims of modern slavery. The Salvation Army is responsible for meeting the victims’ individual needs, whether this is within a safehouse or through outreach support once they enter the National Referral Mechanism process.

The Modern Slavery/Human Trafficking Support Grant is to provide a service that will assist those adults who do not consent to enter the national referral mechanism (NRM), to prevent further risk of re-trafficking.

We welcome applications from registered charities, social enterprises, constituted community groups and community interest groups (CICs).

Bidding will open on Monday 23 January 2023 at 12pm and close Friday 17 February at 10am.

For further information and to obtain an application pack, please email: OPCCNGrants@norfolk.police.uk.

There will be a period where applicants have the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification. Questions will only be accepted through the OPCCNGrants@norfolk.police.uk email address.