National Referral Mechanism
The UK framework for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. First responders (police, councils, etc.) refer potential victims for a 'reasonable grounds' and then 'conclusive grounds' decision.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the framework 'first responder' organisations — including the police, local authorities and certain charities — use to refer potential victims of modern slavery so a formal decision can be made on whether they are a victim. Decisions are made in two stages: a 'reasonable grounds decision' and then a 'conclusive grounds decision'.
At stage 1, a caseworker aims to decide within 5 working days whether there are reasonable grounds to believe the person is a victim; a negative decision closes the case at that stage unless a reconsideration is requested. A positive reasonable grounds decision triggers a recovery period of at least 30 days. At stage 2, a conclusive grounds decision is made after further investigation; a positive conclusive grounds decision leads to a minimum of 45 calendar days' move-on support, while a negative one leads to up to 14 working days' move-on support.
Related terms
Official sources
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