The National Referral Mechanism (NRM), explained.
The NRM is how the UK decides whether someone is a victim of trafficking or modern slavery, and gives them support. We help you understand it, get referred, and protect your immigration position.
What is the NRM?
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the government system for identifying victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, and making sure they get support. Modern slavery includes forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and being forced to commit crimes, such as working on cannabis farms or selling drugs.
You do not need to be sure you are a victim. If someone may have been exploited, the case should be referred so the Home Office can decide.
How referral works
- A first responder makes the referral. Only staff at first responder organisations can refer someone. These include the police, local councils, the Home Office, and charities such as the Salvation Army, Migrant Help, the Refugee Council and Barnardo's. Anyone else can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.
- Consent. Adults must agree to be referred. Children under 18 must always be referred, and the council is told first. Where available, a child is also referred to an Independent Child Trafficking Guardian.
- The referral form. The first responder completes an online form about what happened. The more detail, the better the decision. We can help make sure the right information is included.
The two decisions
| Stage | What it decides | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Reasonable grounds | Whether there are reasonable grounds to believe you are a victim | Aim: within 5 working days where possible |
| Recovery period | Support and time to recover | At least 30 days after a positive reasonable grounds decision |
| 2. Conclusive grounds | Whether, on the balance of probabilities, you are a victim | As soon as possible after the recovery period |
After a positive conclusive grounds decision, you get at least 45 calendar days of move-on support. After that, a recovery needs assessment decides what support continues. After a negative decision, move-on support lasts up to 14 working days, and an extension can be asked for.
Support you can get
- Safe accommodation if you need it, including emergency accommodation while the first decision is made, if you are at risk or destitute
- A support worker
- Help with health care and counselling
- Legal advice, including on your immigration status
- Help with move-on and recovery planning
Support for adults in England and Wales is provided through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. Children are supported by the council.
How we help
NRM and safety
- Explain the NRM in your language so you can decide
- Contact a first responder to make the referral
- Make sure your account and evidence reach the decision maker
- Advise on a reconsideration if a decision is negative
- Work with your support worker and, for children, the social worker
Your immigration status
- Advise on asylum and trafficking together, so your accounts are consistent
- Advise on permission to stay for confirmed victims where it may apply
- Help if you are in detention or facing removal
- Advise on any criminal case linked to your exploitation, with your criminal solicitor
On a legal aid case we never ask you for money. What you tell us is confidential. We do not share your story without your agreement, unless the law requires it.
See also trafficking and modern slavery.
Common questions
Can you refer me into the NRM?
Solicitors are not first responders, so we cannot make the referral ourselves. We explain the NRM to you, help you decide, and contact a first responder organisation (for example the police, the council, the Home Office, the Salvation Army, Migrant Help or the Refugee Council) to make the referral. We then work with them on your case.
Do I have to agree to be referred?
If you are an adult, yes. If you do not agree, some organisations must still tell the Home Office anonymously (a Duty to Notify). Children under 18 are always referred, and do not need to agree.
Will an NRM referral affect my asylum claim?
The two are separate decisions, but evidence often overlaps. What you say in one can be used in the other. That is why you should have legal advice on both.
What if I get a negative decision?
A reconsideration can be requested within one month if there is new information or the decision does not follow the guidance. This policy is currently under review. Contact us as soon as you get the decision.
Is legal aid available?
Yes. Legal advice for people referred into the NRM, and immigration help for victims of trafficking, can be covered by legal aid.
You do not have to work this out alone.
Tell us what happened, or refer someone you support. We explain the options before anything is decided.