Specified public authorities have a duty to notify the Home Office of any individual they encounter in England and Wales who they believe is a suspected victim of slavery or human trafficking.
The duty to notify is set out in Section 52 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It applies to local authorities in England and Wales, including Colchester City Council.
Guidance on the duty to notify is available on GOV.UK:
Modern slavery: how to identify and support victims
Safeguarding duties
The Care Act 2014 includes modern slavery as a form of abuse. It places statutory safeguarding duties on local authorities to protect vulnerable adults who are, or may be, victims of modern slavery.
If a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect an adult with care and support needs is a victim and unable to safeguard themselves, Section 42 duties under the Act are triggered.
This requires a safeguarding response, including investigations, to make sure the adult receives the protection they need from abuse and exploitation.
Council employees are expected to follow internal safeguarding procedures and speak to a Designated Safeguarding Officer or First Call Officer for support in reporting modern slavery as a First Responder Organisation.
How the public can report modern slavery
Members of the public can report modern slavery through the following channels.
Concerns about children
Contact the Essex County Council Children and Families Hub.
Telephone: 0345 603 7627
Report a concern about a child
Concerns about adults
Contact Essex County Council Adult Social Care.
Telephone: 0345 603 7630
Report a concern about an adult
Emergency Duty Team
The Emergency Duty Team for children and adults is available on 0345 606 1212.
Modern Slavery Helpline
Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 or report it online.
Immediate risk
If someone is at immediate risk of significant harm, call 999.