UK’s first self-assessment modern slavery risk checker launched

The ‘Exploitation Risk Checker’ allows individuals to answer a series of questions to see if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal or sexual exploitation.

The risk checker has been developed in partnership with real modern slavery survivors, and launches this week, to mark January’s Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

It is estimated that worldwide, 50 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with more than 100,000 of those in the UK. Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced forced labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.

Causeway says its risk checker is a UK first, and serves as a self-assessment tool. Individuals are able to answer a series of questions, which assists them in identifying if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. It also offers information, guidance and signposting about what steps they can then take to gain further help and support.

“Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery which involves a person being forced to take part in criminal activity against their will or through coercion,” says Causeway. “Sexual exploitation involves a person being forced to take part in sexual activities, or activities for sexual purposes.”

From July 2023 to June 2024, 86 per cent of criminal exploitation victims in the UK were male, and 88 per cent of sexual exploitation victims where female, as identified through the Government’s National Referral Mechanism.

Causeway has developed the Exploitation Risk Checker in partnership with three survivors of modern slavery. These include Emily Vaughn, author of The Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11-years-old, she was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for ten years.

London-based entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt has also been involved in the risk checker creation. As a child, she was exploited by a family member. As she moved into her teens, she was then groomed by a boyfriend and forced into county lines.

Nelson Omoragbon is the third survivor who has partnered with Causeway to develop the risk checker. He is now a social advocate and lived experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.

The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned they, or somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. A second similar tool is due to be launched by Causeway later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk or experiencing forced labour.

Emily Vaughn, Ambassador for Causeway and risk checker co-creator, said: “It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs.

“Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation.

“This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”

Edwin Buckley, head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, added: “We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand new Exploitation Risk Checker.

“Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know how what to do or how to find support.

“We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know.

“We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support Causeway with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”