BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network
The first network in the UK and in Europe dedicated to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the anti-trafficking and anti-slavery space.
Read more…
2nd BASNET Residential Research Programme 2025
Date: Wednesday 21st May to Friday 23rd May
Venue: Manchester
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network will host our second Residential Research Programme in Manchester. This exclusive three-day event will bring together delegates from our Full Members Network and our Lived Experience Panel, alongside expert trainers and academics, for an immersive experience of collaboration, learning, and professional growth.
Over the course of the programme, participants will dive into practical skills development in areas such as:
Effective report writing – crafting compelling, evidence-based reports
Maximising research impact – translating insights into real-world change
Securing funding – building strong grant applications and sustaining projects
Designed to foster meaningful connections and knowledge-sharing, the Residential Programme promises to be a valuable and inspiring few days for everyone involved.
We look forward to welcoming our members to Manchester.
BASNET BME Knowledge Mobilisation Conference
Date: Tuesday, 24th June 2025
Time: 9.00 AM – 4.30 PM
We are excited to host the BASNET - The UK BME Antislavery Network Modern Slavery Knowledge Mobilisation Conference on Tuesday 24 June 2025 in Centre London.
This special event will showcase the outcomes of our latest research partnerships with BASNET members who are Black and Ethnic Minority-led organisations and Lived Experience Experts. It is being delivered in partnership with the British Academy Early Career Researcher Network.
Over the past six months, members of our Network and Lived Experience Expert Panel have worked with academic research mentors through our Research Mentorship Programme. Together, they have explored key Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues in Modern Slavery, producing bold, grassroots-led research that challenges assumptions and strengthens sector-wide understanding of the issues.
At the conference, we will:
Share findings from these innovative collaborations
Facilitate discussions among peers, practitioners, and experts on next steps
Highlight the value of community-driven research
Join us as we explore the power of participatory research and how these insights can create real change in addressing modern slavery.
Register to attend here
For enquiries, contact Naeema Ahmed, BASNET Senior Network Manager here
New BASNET Research: A Rapid, Realist Informed Review of Safehouse Provision for Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
In March 2024 BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network published a report titled “The Safe House is Not Safe”. This explored issues which had been raised by survivors in other fora to BASNET with regards to the accommodation offered within statutory provision in England and Wales. Through group consultations with 13 lived experience experts, the report outlined key concerns to survivors and provided recommendations including the need for “a more rigorous, academic and scientific investigation…to thoroughly examine the experiences of individuals with lived experiences of human trafficking and modern slavery who are in the care of government funded safe houses”.
We are delighted to partner with University of Nottingham with funding from the UK Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre to conduct a follow up review of safe house provision for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Read the Research Protocol here
:For more information, contact us at basnet@afruca.org
March 2025: Join BASNET in Driving Change Against Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
For more information, contact us at basnet@afruca.org
BASNET Joint Members Meeting - Strenghtening Collaboration and Impact
BASNET held its first joint meeting of its Full and Associate Members on 25th February 2025. The event provided a crucial platform for discussions on policy priorities and legislative changes affecting modern slavery, border security, and asylum.
The meeting featured key presentations, including insights from Nick Herbert, Projects and Partnerships Lead at the Human Trafficking Foundation, on the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill. The Bill, currently at the Committee Stage in Parliament, aims to enhance UK border security and reform the asylum system, with significant implications for survivors of trafficking.
Naeema Ahmed, Senior Network Manager at BASNET, outlined the policy priorities for BASNET for 2025/26, focusing on accountability in legal services, strengthening partnerships with local authorities, increasing transparency in supply chains, and addressing ageism in modern slavery responses.
A breakout session invited members to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act, encouraging discussions on necessary reforms to strengthen protections for victims.
The meeting reinforced BASNET’s commitment to advocacy, policy change, and survivor support and has inspired several partnership opportunities for its members, fostering greater collaboration in tackling modern slavery and related issues. "
For more information, contact us at basnet@afruca.org
BASNET Report: An Afterthought - What Does New Data Tell Us About Modern Slavery Training, Stereotypes and Cultural Sensitivity In The UK?
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network, in partnership with After Exploitation, has unveiled a landmark report titled “An After Thought: What Does New Data Tell Us About Modern Slavery Training, Stereotypes and Cultural Sensitivity In The UK?
This report highlights significant disparities in the delivery of training on modern slavery, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and cultural sensitivity by local councils in England and Wales. It discusses how misguided training materials perpetuate stereotypes, such as assuming that only foreign nationals or visibly distressed individuals are victims.
Read the report press release here
Download the report here
BASNET Consortium To Support Victims of Exploitation Under the Health and Social Care Visa Scheme
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-slavery Network is delighted to have received new funding from the Samworth Foundation to provide holistic support for victims of exploitation under the Health and Social Care Sponsorship Visa Scheme. We are working with our members - Tulia Group, De Butterfly and AFRUCA Safeguarding Children as part of a consortium to provide culturally appropriate legal, mental health and practical support for victims.
This is a two year project which will support up to 60 victims a year.
Read more about our project here
BASNET Research Programme for Members - A Call To Researchers
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-slavery Network is seeking experienced researchers in Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, or Race Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion to mentor and collaborate on research led by our members who are Black and Ethnic charities and lived experience experts. This is a great opportunity for researchers to build closer working relationships with Black and Ethnic charities with prospects for future collaborations. This volunteer role will help to bridge the gap in research by grass-root organisations and participants will be credited for their contributions.
Deadline to apply is 29 November 2024.
Read more and apply here:
“Survivor Well-being and Protection in Government Safe Houses is Not a One-Size-Fits-All”
The Home Office should redesign the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract to take account of the holistic needs of survivors of modern slavery and enhance availability of cultural and human rights provisions that meet their needs because “one size does not fit all”.
This was the key outcome of the BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network 5th anniversary conference held on October 10 2024, at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London. The conference was held to help draw wider attention to the issues raised in our report: “The Safe House Is Not Safe” published earlier in the year.
Read our Report: “The Safe House Is Not Safe”
“Stop Using Gift Vouchers to Compensate Lived Experience Experts and Community Leaders In Research Projects” - BASNET
Participants at the recent BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network residential research programme which held in Manchester from 25 to 26 September 2024 have called on research and academic institutions to stop the practice of using gift vouchers to compensate lived experience experts and community organisations for their contributions to research projects, saying the practice is “degrading” and “exploitative”.
BASNET Holds Inaugural Residential Research Programme for Black and Ethnic Leaders in the Modern Slavery Space
Date: 25-26 September 2024
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network, is proud to hold the inaugural Residential Research Programme for Black and ethnic-led organisations and individuals with lived experience in the modern slavery and human trafficking sector. The BASNET Residential Research Programme is designed to foster a sense of community among our members who are Anti Trafficking Innovators and Lived Experience Experts, while enhancing the skills and processes necessary to narrate their stories supported by data, evidence, knowledge, and experience. The programme will host 15 participants – inclluding BASNET Full Members and Lived Experienced experts.
We are delighted to have these noted experts in the Modern Slavery sector supporting the Programme as Trainers and Speakers
Professor Alex Balch - The UK Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre
Lucrezia Bozio - Stop The Traffik
Dr Elizabeth Such - University of Nottingham School of Health Sciences
Professor Neena Samota - St Mary’s University Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse
BASNET Condemns Ongoing Racist Attacks on Refugees and Asylum Seekers
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network strongly condemns the ongoing wave of racist attacks on refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. The surge in far-right and anti-immigration riots is deeply troubling and stands in direct opposition to the values of compassion, equality, and justice that we uphold.
BASNET’s Response To the King’s Speech
We at BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network are delighted to acknowledge and support the initiatives outlined in His Majesty’s speech. The government’s commitment to action in several areas aligns with our goals. We look forward to collaborating with government to further these initiatives to address modern slavery and human trafficking.
We are delighted the Rwanda Deportation Scheme has been scrapped
We at BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network are delighted that the Rwanda Deportation programme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has been abolished by the Prime Minister.
We believe this represents a significant step towards fostering a more humane environment for asylum seekers and survivors of modern slavery.
There are many wrongs to be righted. We look forward to collaborating with the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP to create a more inclusive, empathetic and compassionate approach to address modern slavery and human trafficking.
Dr Liz Such Appointed Chair of BASNET Advisory Board
We are thrilled to welcome Dr Liz Such as the first Chair of the Advisory Board of BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network. Liz is an Academic and Senior Researcher at University of Nottingham. She is an Anne McLaren Fellow and an NIHR Knowledge Mobilisation Research Fellow at Nottingham’s School of Health Sciences, and part of the Rights Lab's Health and Communities Programme. Liz is much regarded for her pioneering work on a public health approach to modern slavery through research with Public Health England and the former UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Her expertise includes the upstream prevention of modern slavery and a more equitable approach to research. Liz has collaborated with AFRUCA/BASNET to undertake three major research projects, including our recent EDI In Modern Slavery Research, and is Research Advisor to BASNET. She also served on our Race Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan working group.
We look forward to working with Liz in her new role.
BASNET Open Day - Scotland
Date: Friday 21st June 2024
Time: 11am - 3pm
Location: CentrePoint Smith Avenue, Wishaw, ML2 0LD
On Friday 21st June, BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network was in Wishaw, Scotland for an enlightening and engaging open day event hosted by our member, The Economic Forum For Family Empowerment Scotland. The event was to introduce potential members and partners to BASNET and our work in tackling race inequality in the UK Modern Slavery sector. The event also provided an opportunity to explore BASNET’s mission and impact, provide insights into the Network’s ongoing initiatives, membership benefits, and what it means to be a part of our community.
2nd BASNET Residential Capacity Building Programme: 21-23 May 2024
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network an initiative of AFRUCA Safeguarding Children held its second residential capacity-building programme for UK Black and Ethnic anti-trafficking innovators in Manchester from 21 to 23 May 2024. 14 participants who are founders and CEOs of charities, Community Interest Companies or Community Interest Organisations gained new and essential organisational skills to enable them effectively address modern slavery issues within their communities.
This important programme was delivered with funding from Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
This year, we were delighted to extend participation to a BASNET Associate member in Nigeria, Betty Abah from CEEHOPE. This enabled us to explore the potential to expand the capacity building residential programme outside the UK to help meet the needs of anti-trafficking organisations in other countries.
Read more about our 2024 Residential Capacity Building Programme
BASNET Sector Meeting on Our New Report:
The Safe House is Not Safe - Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking and Their Experiences of Racism and Intersectional Discrimination in Some UK Government Funded Safe Houses
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network unveiled its groundbreaking report on 18 March 2024 highlighting the harsh realities faced by survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in government-funded Safe Houses across England. Based on firsthand experiences from 13 experts residing in these shelters, the report exposes inadequate accommodation and discrimination rooted in race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, and ethnicity. BASNET organised a sector-wide briefing to discuss the report's findings and recommendations, emphasising the voices of survivors and urging systemic change. Key stakeholders, including the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, representatives from organisations like The Salvation Army and the Care Quality Commission, and survivors themselves, participated in the dialogue. The conversation underscored the importance of trauma-informed support, cultural competency training, and collaboration among stakeholders to transform safe houses into empowering havens for survivors. A commitment to tangible reforms and engaging the Home Office in collective efforts emerged from the discussion, signaling a call to action to ensure that safe houses genuinely serve as sanctuaries for those seeking freedom from exploitation.
International Women’s Day 2024: Exploitation of Migrant Female Workers in the UK Health and Social Care Sector - A New Slavery?
International Women’s Day 2024: Exploitation of Migrant Female Workers in the UK Health and Social Care Sector - A New Slavery?
On 13th of March 2024, BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network organised an online event titled “Exploitation of Migrant Women in the UK Health and Social Care Sector: A New Slavery?”. The event served to underscore the racial dynamics, gender inequality and migrant rights issues involved in what is now referred to as “state enabled” exploitation and modern slavery of migrant workers in the UK. The event unravelled the intricate layers of exploitation and modern slavery lurking beneath the surface of the health and social care industry. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, the event explored the root causes, systemic implications, and potential solutions to this multifaceted, multilateral problem. BASNET continue to stand at the forefront of addressing this pressing issue that has so far remained hidden from plain sight: the exploitation of workers in the health, domiciliary and care sectors, with a high number of cases involving women from outside the UK seeking to work under different government health and social care work visa schemes.
BASNET Action: Exploitation in the UK Health and Social Care Sector as a Race Issue
BASNET - The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network is very concerned about the exploitation of workers in the UK's health and care sectors, particularly under government visa schemes. In a letter to the Home Secretary dated 9 February 2024 and co-signed by over 40 BASNET members and partners, we emphasised the pressing need for immediate action, framing the issue as a significant race-related problem requiring comprehensive solutions. Our letter outlined many instances of fraud, debt bondage, financial abuse and exploitation and proposed specific recommendations, including enhanced vetting for recruitment agencies and better support systems for victims. We asserted that the failure to act promptly may breach equality laws and exacerbate the already dire situation for migrant workers. BASNET invited a collaboration with the Home Office and other related agencies to discuss these pressing issues and explore viable solutions. As the fate and well-being of many hang in the balance, BASNET awaits a prompt and decisive response from the Home Office to rectify systemic inequalities and safeguard the dignity of those here to help contribute to the success of the UK's health and social care sector.
Read our letter to the Former Home Secretary
Read response to our letter by Former Home Office Minister Tom Pursglove MP
Join BASNET - the UK BME Anti-Slavery Network
We are the only network dedicated to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK Anti-Slavery space
If you are a small Black and Ethnic led charity or comunity based organisation already working on anti-trafficking, county lines, sex exploitation, labour exploitation and so on, or you have an interest to grow your work in these areas, why not consider becoming a member of BASNET?
We have a range of benefits for our members, including free residential capacity-building programmes, financial support to organise anti-trafficking advocacy events in your communities, support with funding applications to develop your anti trafficking work and opportunities to build your connections for anti-trafficking policy, research and project partnerships
Our Members Activities
With funding from The Samworth Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and AB Charitable Trust, we support our members’ capacity to undertake projects and activities in their communities to tackle Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Music Relief Foundation Held an Interactive Event on Girls and Child Criminal Exploitation in Croydon
Wonderfully Made Woman Held an Engaging Inaugural Event in Greenford on Modern Slavery and The Vulnerability of Women
WODIN Held A Successful Event in Liverpool on “Cyber-Safety: How Parents Can Protect Their Children From Online Exploitation”
Salam Project Football Tournament For Boys in West London To Raise Awareness of County Lines Trafficking
Salam Project Talking Compact Workshop in London for 13-19 year olds on County Lines Trafficking
House of Rainbow Panel Event on Impact of Illegal Migration Act on BME LGBT Survivors of Modern Slavery.
Anti-Slavery Month 2023 Event:
Organ Trafficking: Exploring The Complexities and Racial Dynamics
Inspired by the first successfully prosecuted Organ Trafficking case in the UK earlier this year, this online event held on 13 October 2023 explored the complex issues of organ trafficking, organ harvesting and illegal organ transplant and the intersections with race, migration, poverty and other vulnerabilities.
Our Panel of Experts explored the role of different actors and drivers affecting the high demand and low supply of organs, including corruption, weak states with low enforcement of the law, the gaps in government policies, legislation and international oversight as well as reduced legal migration routes. They professed recommendations to address this serious and insidious problem.
Many thanks to our panellists Godwin Morka, formerly of NAPTIP, Nigeria; Dr Sean Columb of University of Liverpool; Iain Ross of the Metropolitan Police; Jo Tanner of University of West London and Eleanor Stephenson of International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China.
BASNET Research Report on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Publicly Funded Modern Slavery Research
We are delighted to release our research report: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Publicly Funded Modern Slavery Research”. The research was conducted in partnership with the St Mary’s University at Twickenham, the University of Nottingham and the Sheffield University, following an open call by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre. This piece of work is also a fulfilment of BASNET Race Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan Theme on Research which called for research on EDI within the wider modern slavery research sector, to understand the challenges and barriers stopping people from all backgrounds from being able to participate effectively and make recommendations for improvements.
BASNET members (community leaders and leaders by experience) contributed and took part in the focus group sessions, alongside other representative groups. We thank them for their contributions to the success of the project.
The research also included data analysis and analysis of various research reports, including those funded by the Modern Slavery PEC to identify how EDI was represented in research reporting.
Amongst others, the research found that EDI is not considered enough throughout the research process or described comprehensively within research reports.
The research provided recommendations targeting: 1. Funders and Researchers in the EDI research process; 2. Funders and Employers on EDI in the Research Workforce; 3. EDI in Funder and Employer Policy and Practice.
BASNET Activities
BASNET Submission to Home Affairs Committee Inquiry on Human Trafficking
BASNET has provided Written Evidence to the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee Inquiry on Human Trafficking. Our key submission was that human trafficking in the UK is a race problem with significant repercussions for many individials and communities across the country.
Home Affairs Committee Inquiry Report on Human Trafficking Released
BASNET and our members welcome the recently released House of Commons Home Affairs Committee Inquiry into Human Trafficking report. BASNET provided a submission to inform the Committee’s inquiry. We support the Committee’s conclusion that human trafficking in the UK is no longer a priority for the UK government and that the UK is failing to deal with the reality of this terrible crime.
Blog Post: Rethinking How We Undertake Research In the UK Modern Slavery Space
In this blog post on the UK Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre website, the Chair of BASNET, Debbie Ariyo OBE argues that for modern slavery research to be impactful, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) can no longer be tick-box exercises. “We have to be more intentional about embedding EDI in modern slavery research”.
BASNET and Sector Engagement
BASNET Presentation at Global Sustainability Network Conference: “Ending Modern Slavery: Harnessing Scalable Solutions”
Debbie Ariyo OBE, Chair of BASNET joined a panel of experts at the Sustainability Network conference in London. She spoke about BASNET’s work with Experts By Experience to highlight racism and homophobia in NRM sub contracted shelters for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking (photo by GSN). Our report on this will be published soon.
BASNET Joins Panel of Experts at “Equity In Evidence” Conference to Explore “Research As A Form of Empowerment”
Debbie Ariyo OBE represented BASNET on an expert panel at the recent Equity in Evidence conference in London. She highlighted how research must strengthen inclusivity through creating an enabling environment for community based organisations and experts by experience to collaborate and engage with academia as equal partners (photo by Aditi Charterjee)
BASNET Joins other Anti-Trafficking agencies to call on Parliament to Protect Survivors, Prevent Trafficking and Uphold International Law.
The Illegal Migration Bill puts lives at risk by requiring the UK to breach international laws including the European Convention on Human Rights, the Refugee Convention, the Children’s Rights Convention, the Trafficking Convention and the Statelessness Convention. We joined other charities to call on UK Parliament to amend the Bill to protect human rights
Testimonials
Contact Us
-
For all enquiries email BASNET Secretariat here.
-
BASNET works across the UK. BASNET is a project of AFRUCA Safeguarding Children based in London and Manchester.
London: AFRUCA - Safeguarding Children, Head Office Address: Unit 8, 290 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)207 704 2261
Manchester: AFRUCA Centre for Black and Ethnic Children and Families, Address: Suite 2, Building 3, Universal Square, Devonshire Street North, Manchester M12 6JH United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 161 205 9274
-
Complete our application form to become a member of BASNET the UK BME Anti - Slavery Network here.