Before joining the Home Office, I thought it mainly dealt with matters of immigration, passports, national security, and counter-terrorism. Whilst all of this is true, the Home Office remit is much greater, including tackling exploitation and abuse, crime reduction, major law enforcement and so much more.
I work in the Single Competent Authority (SCA), which focuses on identifying and supporting victims of trafficking and modern slavery. Human trafficking has evolved, with perpetrators using modern techniques to control individuals unfairly. The SCA’s mission is to help victims escape exploitation, provide victim status, and support their recovery needs to move on from their experiences, which are often filled with trauma. These individuals are amongst some of the most vulnerable people in society and can be men, women or children of any age.
The work handled by the SCA is of a sensitive nature and the outcomes we achieve for individuals can be life changing. Knowing that we’ve helped someone transition from exploitation to recovery is truly rewarding! First Responders—such as police, charities, and government departments—submit potential victim referrals through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). These referrals undergo a two-stage assessment by our decision-maker teams to determine if there are sufficient grounds to declare someone as a recognised victim of modern slavery.
Each day is varied and rarely repetitive. Every case I handle is unique to the individual whose information I am considering. I am constantly learning about the modern slavery situation in countries across the world and within the UK. My responsibilities include case work, attending or delivering meetings, reporting, stakeholder liaison, onboarding new employees into the business and so much more. I also deputise for the Team Leader and for other teams. With flexible working options, I can balance my workload effectively, making the most out of each day.
Being able to support victims through these challenging circumstances and helping them to heal is a truly rewarding feeling. If helping people to reach fair and just outcomes to their trafficking experiences appeals to you then apply to join the SCA. Beyond meaningful work, the Home Office offers excellent benefits, including flexible hours, subject to your role, and a strong pension scheme. Learning and development opportunities are vast.