Crime Reduction Toolkits

Trafficking of People

Local multi-agency groups

Multi-agency groups are essentially responsible for ensuring that a holistic approach to the problem is taken – covering the needs of the victims as well as supporting enforcement measures. Local groups need to ensure that they fit in with existing national initiatives including Reflex. 

Their responsibilities should include:

• education and awareness raising activity;
   

• ensuring that all relevant agencies and parties are informed and involved in decision making and planning;
   

• joint training initiatives;
   

• developing appropriate working practice protocols;
   

• ensuring information exchange between statutory and non-governmental organisations;
   

• monitoring incidence rates and the impact of any local initiatives;
   

• developing local strategies and action plans. 

As mentioned above, if there is not a local specialist NGO then the group will need to take on the co-ordinating activity of bringing the various NGO service providers together. 

In the case of children, local Area Child Protection Committees have a role in co-ordinating multi-agency initiatives on trafficking, but this must fit with local strategic planning arrangements for all children.  

In the case of adults, it may be appropriate for Crime and Disorder Partnerships to take a co-ordinating role, or for one of the key agencies to take the lead. If there is an existing ‘violence against women multi-agency group’ it may be appropriate for this to take on responsibility for issues relating to trafficking in women.