In partnership with the Marsh Christian Trust, our awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Fight Against Slavery recognise individuals and organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors who have gone beyond expectations in fighting slavery within their field. Many worthy nominations were received but those shortlisted were chosen where nomination forms demonstrated significant impact made or going beyond the call of duty.
Reducing Vulnerabilities
Dr Cheryl Mvula MBE, Stop The Traffik Kent
”All that Dr Mvula does in the fight against modern slavery she does on a purely voluntary basis alongside her considerable work commitments in the UK and Africa. This, combined with the extent of her activities in reducing vulnerabilities to trafficking, clearly demonstrates how she is going above and beyond what is expected of her – it is truly a calling on her life.”Louise Gleich, Free for Good UK and CARE
“The progress which has been undoubtedly been made in furthering the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill from draft, to the Lords and into the Commons (and therefore bringing improved victim support closer to becoming a reality), is due in large part to Louise’s intelligence, knowledge of both Parliament and trafficking support policy as well as, crucially, her diligence and humility.”
Kate Roberts, Anti-Slavery International
”Tellingly, people are always eager to work with Kate, due to not only her great expertise, but her diligence, warmth and modesty: there is a trust that her motivation is the cause, rather than any personal or organisational glory.”The Enfield Council Modern Slavery Team led by Sharon Burgess and Fiana Centala.
Key achievements include: lobbying to ensure that Enfield Council signed the Modern Slavery Charter, supporting departments to ensure the charter is embedded in commissioning processes, working to ensure every customer-facing team has officers trained in modern slavery and providing advice and support to team managers to ensure NRM submissions are completed to a high standardSandwell Slavery and Human Trafficking Strategic Partnership (SHOP)
SHOP were not satisfied with simply demonstrating great partnership work, but were determined to achieve victim identification and comprehensive post-identification support, leading to a complete change in direction, including setting up victim pathways and the Slavery Free Sandwell Pledge.
Enabling and Supporting Survivors’ Rights and Entitlements
Ahmed Aydeed, Duncan Lewis Solicitors
“In all discussions, Ahmed is absolutely focused on his clients' best interests. This is also obvious when Ahmed undertakes media interviews in relation to his cases - I was touched by his remarks in a media interview following interim victory in NN and LP when he (rightly) said it was down to the courage of two vulnerable people who wanted to ensure that others also trafficked and enslaved did not lose their support.”
Nusrat Uddin, Wilson LLP
“…in addition to her hard work and dedication to her clients, she has drawn on her legal knowledge and expertise to engage with NGOs, policy makers, and the media in an effort to bring about positive change for survivors of trafficking and other human rights abuses. She has an aptitude for making a persuasive and heart-felt case for her client base, whilst maintaining her deep-seated sense of professionalism.”
Robin Brierley, West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network
“Robin always goes the extra mile, his ethos is to always provide a gold star standard of support to the agencies he works with, but also encouraging agencies to provide a gold star standard of support to survivors. He works tirelessly, days, evenings, weekend, even whilst on holiday, because he is truly passionate about his work.”
Nicola Birch, Kirklees Citizens Advice & Law Centre
“In 2019, she continues to provide excellent legal assistance to victims of modern slavery and is always willing to offer advice on our cases. She is a team player in the sector, always focusing on the rights and entitlements of victims, and her advice is invaluable.”
Rebuilding Lives
Jericho Foundation
“Jericho have worked hard to help people move on into mainstream employment when they have fully benefited from the project, registered clients with medical services, visited clients in hospital while off work or taken a client to hospital and waited until the client has received medical attention before leaving at midnight. The Jericho staff have remained absolutely committed to the welfare of all the clients that they have encountered.”
Debbie Beadle, ECPAT UK
“She goes above and beyond for young people; taking on case work and advocacy when no one else will… ‘She will always find a way to ensure that what happened to you in the past doesn’t take away your life or your future. She supports every aspect of your psychological development to help you be able to see the brighter side of life.’”
Keri Johal and Elena Gamska, Spring Housing
“Their dedication and commitment to their work is exceptional and we have frequently seen them supporting out of hours, at the last minute, or in unexpected situations with willingness… They have proved to be a very professional pair who always act with integrity and with the survivors’ interests at heart.”
HSBC UK Survivor Bank Programme
“HSBC UK has led the way in understanding the issues faced by victims of modern slavery. With this access to bank accounts our clients can now start to move forward with their lives and start that vital step towards rehabilitation into society.”