Celebrating Independent Advocacy: Transforming Support for Survivors
Claire Walford
How Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) are improving outcomes for survivors across the UK
This month our National Projects Officer, Ayshea Cross, attended an event at St Mary's University in Twickenham celebrating the first year of the Independent Modern Slavery Advocacy (IMSA®) model. Partner organisations met to share the learnings so far and recognise those who undertook the associated accredited training course.
Why is this pilot so important?
The national pilot, which currently involves 15 organisations, has been running to see if independent advocates can improve outcomes for survivors. The big difference between the current provision and what IMSAs offer is the standardisation of training for advocates and the ability to assist more complex cases more consistently wherever they are around the country. The new model enhances the quality of advocacy and support that is available across the UK. With the help of an independent advocate, survivors can overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their recovery. Such one-on-one advocacy also reduces their risk of being re-exploited. The pilot has just completed its first year but will continue until 2029.
Survivors of other complex crimes, such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and stalking, have access to accredited, dedicated professionals to advocate alongside them. However, this vital provision is not yet available to adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK which is why the pilot was so valuable as it has demonstrated the impact of employing IMSAs®.
Since September 2025, 28 IMSAs® have been working alongside adult survivors of human trafficking, helping them navigate the complex systems and support services available in the UK, access their rights and entitlements and work towards a sustained recovery.
At the celebration event, Ayshea heard how IMSAs® have worked with 107 survivors (75 adults and 32 young people). The main areas they have helped with are:
- Housing – securing long-term, suitable and stable housing
- Legal representation – access to appropriate legal advice and representation, to uphold their rights and entitlements as a survivor of human trafficking
- Securing status – ensuring survivors understand their legal rights and entitlements regarding their options to secure status to remain in the UK or safely return to their country of origin
The IMSA® Model pilot has attracted widespread interest from organisations working with modern slavery victims and survivors. Speakers at the launch event included Minister for Safeguarding, Jess Phillips MP; the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, who strongly endorsed the IMSA model; and survivors with lived experience of modern slavery, whose voices have been crucial in shaping the whole project.
Nancy Esiovwa, a Lived Experience Consultant who spoke at the launch event (and at our National Gathering in October 2025), explained: “I had access to an IMSA at Hope for Justice. It would be great for all survivors to have someone who is in their corner, fighting for them, like I had. The challenges to accessing support are huge, so having someone who will not underestimate the barrier or the problem that a decision will cause for the survivor, having the right IMSA to do that, will be great for survivors. It will help survivors to understand the process and help them through that process, supporting them mentally and helping them break things down.”
Qualifications
All IMSAs® who participate in the pilot are required to complete accredited training, delivered by the Bakhita Centre at St Mary’s University. Trainee IMSAs complete the qualification when they start in role. The qualification is composed of three modules: Being an Independent Advocate; Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Policy Frameworks, Processes and Procedures and Trauma Informed, Culturally Competent and Reflective Practice in Survivor Advocacy.
Some reflections and takeaways for faith and community groups:
One of the strengths of this programme is how personalised the care is. A needs assessment might take place, but the IMSAs support empowers the survivor to advocate for their desires and needs for recovery, rather than assume what is required or be limited by existing systems. Just as Jesus asks Bartimaeus in Mark’s Gospel, “What do you want me to do for you?” giving agency to this man in his recovery, IMSAs have a similar role in listening to the survivor's own voice within their support.
This qualification is specialist, but in any community or support context, we could ask ourselves:
- Is there training we can do to improve our understanding and response to potential victims of modern slavery in our community?
- Are there more person-centred ways we could offer support in our community, in general?
- What barriers might people face to come for help and support in our community, and how can we work to reduce these?