The process of the NRM
Download a complete digram of the NRM Process
STEP 1: Contact a first responder
To be referred through the NRM, the first step is for there to be an interview. During the interview the NRM referral form is completed, this is then submitted to the UKHTC who make the decision as to whether someone is considered a victim of human trafficking.
The interview is taken by what is called a ‘First responder'. First responders are authorised agencies and include
SOCA / UKHTC
Local Authorities
UK Border Agency
POPPY Project
TARA Project (Scotland)
Migrant Helpline
Kalayaan
Medaille Trust
Salvation Army
Gangmasters Licensing Authority
UK police forces
NSPCC/CTAIL
Local Authority Children's Services
Barnardo's
Health and Social Care Trusts (Northern Ireland)
Unseen
If you are from any other organization or are an individual, contact Salvation Army who will take on the role as first line responder.
If you are police and are unsure how to complete an NRM form call UKHTC.
If you are from children's services and are unsure how to complete an NRM form contact NSPCC/CTAIL.
STEP 2: Complete the NRM FORM
Read the NRM forms to see what information needs to be given:
Click to download the Adult NRM form
Click to download the Child NRM form
Completing the NRM form.
The first responder will interview the potential victim and complete the NRM form.
The referral is voluntary and can happen only if the potential victim gives their permission by signing the referral form.
Unlike adults, children do not need to consent to their referral but the child should be informed as to why a referral is being made and kept informed of decisions through their appointed representative.
STEP 3: Submitting completed NRM forms
Completed forms should be sent to the UKHTC Competent Authority via e-mail at UKHTC@soca.x.gsi.gov.uk or by fax to 0870 496 5534.
STEP 4: Assessment by a competent authority
In the UK we have two Competent Authorities:
- The UKHTC, which deals with NRM referrals from the police, local authorities, and NGOs.
- The UK Border Agency, which deals with NRM referrals identified as part of the immigration process, for example where trafficking may be an issue as part of an asylum claim.
The CA will assess the case and make a decision on whether an individual is a victim of trafficking. There are several stages in this process:
Stage 1. Reasonable Grounds Decision
The target is for this decision to be made within 5 working days from receipt of referral. The decision is based on the approach: "From the information available so far I believe but cannot prove."
If the decision is affirmative then the potential victim will be:
- allocated a place within a safe house accommodation, if required
- granted a recovery and reflection period of 45 days. This allows the victim to begin to recover from their ordeal and to reflect on what they want to do next within the choices open to them.
Both the first responder and potential victim will be notified.
Stage 2. Conclusive Decision
The target is for this decision to be made within within 45 calendar days of Reasonable Grounds Decision.
The decision is based on the approach: "It is more likely than not."
Both the first responder and potential victim will be notified.
STEP 5: What happens next?
If an individual has been identified by the Competent Authority as a victim of trafficking, these are the possible next stages of the NRM process:
A. Co-operation with police enquiries. The victim may be granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK for up to one year to allow them to co-operate fully in any police investigation and subsequent prosecution. The period of discretionary leave can be extended if required.
B. Possible leave to remain. If a victim is not involved in the criminal justice process, the UKBA may consider a grant of discretionary leave to remain in the UK, dependent on the victim's personal circumstances.
C. Wishes to return home. If the victim is from outside the European Economic Area, they can receive help and financial assistance to return home through the UK Border Agency Assisted Voluntary Return of Irregular Migrants (AVRIM) process. If they are an EEA national, UKHTC will put them in touch with their embassy and any relevant NGOs who may be able to help.
What if the referred person is not found to be a victim of human trafficking?
If an individual has not been found to be a victim of trafficking, depending on their circumstances they may be referred to the relevant Police force or the UKBA.
There is no appeals process for an individual to challenge the Reasonable Grounds or Conclusive decisions. However, it can be challenged at Judicial Review.
If the UKBA has decided that an individual was not trafficked and there are no other circumstances that would give them a right to live in the UK, they will be offered support to voluntarily return to their country of origin.
The NRM operates alongside existing European, refugee and human rights law, so those who are trafficked may make other applications to remain in the UK based on either European, refugee or human rights law.
