Support for adult victims of trafficking and exploitation - guidance: consultation analysis

6. Question 4 – Key principles

Question: Does the guidance set out clearly the key principles informing adult human trafficking victim support in Scotland?

Positive comments

Some respondents stated that the principles were clearly explained and aligned well with current policy expectations and the Trafficking Strategy, providing a strong theoretical framework for delivering support. The linkage to wider Scottish policy initiatives, such as the National Trauma Transformation Programme, was seen as strengthening coherence and reinforcing a consistent, rights based and trauma-informed approach across services. The inclusion of the requirement for support providers to have regard to the Slavery and Trafficking Care Standards was seen as important as this gives support providers excellent grounding for ensuring best practice in all cases.

Need for further clarity

Some respondents felt that there is a need for a stronger emphasis on participation, transparency, accountability and survivor involvement in decision-making, ensuring that support is delivered in a way that reflects both individual needs and a rights-based approach. The PANEL principles (participation, accountability, non-discrimination and equality, empowerment, and legality) have concrete implications for how a support framework should be designed and these need to be spelled out more explicitly in this section.

It was suggested by some respondents that the guidance should clarify roles and responsibilities in more detail so that practitioners are clear about who is responsible for leading coordination at different stages of the victim’s journey. This is especially important during transition points where there is heightened vulnerability.

Some respondents commented that multi-agency collaboration relies on First Responders being aware of local services and supports that are available and referrals/signposting to also be delivered in a trauma-informed way. In addition, there may be waiting lists before being able to access some supports and the guidance needs to recognise and advise on this.

Some respondents considered that this section should include the need for equitable access to services across Scotland. At present, there is no clarity on how support differs between localities – for example, between a victim living in Aberdeen and one living in Glasgow.

Need for practical information

The guidance needs to have clearer signposting between how principles translate into practical day-to-day decision-making, for example, linking trauma-informed practice to risk assessments, recovery planning, and multi-agency working.

The section on culturally competent practice needs to be expanded and could include examples of how to address language barriers, gender sensitivities, or faith-based needs in practice, rather than keeping the discussion at a more general level.

Risk assessments should be explicitly expected to be a multi-agency obligation and should be frequently reviewed. An accompanying individual safety plan should be included in this section as mandatory. Flexibility needs to be built into case management depending on individual and case management needs.

Suggested additions to the Guidance

Respondents provided examples additional information which could be contained in the guidance as follows:

It was suggested that all principles informing the Trafficking Strategy should be listed in the Guidance, including age- and gender-sensitivity. Specific and additional information for service providers working with women victims of trafficking should be added.

It was suggested by some respondents that the Guidance should set out a standardised pathway to long-term support within the SAVTS and clarify the duties for those who are unable to access long-term support through other services, with reference to the Modern Slavery Core Outcome Set.

A section specifically dedicated to frontline staff which outlines the need for internal policies regarding staff internal and external supervision, case load management and wellbeing support should be added to this section.

The process of working with victims of human trafficking often involves participating in investigations or reviews concerning their experience, and this carries a great psychological impact.

Secure cross-organisation working involves handling of personal data which must be done in a safe and GDPR-compliant way. Further detail should be provided on this to give assurances that people’s data is safe and how it will be used and Information Sharing Agreements may be included as a suggestion to achieve this.

Other concerns or comments

Some respondents commented that a stronger and explicit approach to ASP duties of care within the guidance is required to ensure a fully multi agency response to ASP. It was suggested by a few respondents that this can be achieved through stressing that there is a requirement for other local authorities to remain cooperative and involved in ASP inquiries. There should be a reference in the guidance that local authorities should consider providing interim support to prevent homelessness while they undertake the human rights assessment to see if they are eligible for support.