The Care Inspectorate is alert to potential cases of modern slavery and will listen sensitively and compassionately when people raise issues with us. We will respond in the following ways.
- If we receive or discover information that may indicate modern slavery, we will identify and record this threat. We will do this even if the person contacting us does not refer to it as modern slavery.
- We will refer identified and potential victims through our established safeguarding referral routes.
- We will monitor registration applications from services to check for warning signs of potential exploitation of skilled workers from overseas.
- We will seek out early indication that sponsor licenses are being exploited by working with Home Office and other partners.
- We will not hesitate to take action including proportionate regulatory and enforcement action where modern slavery and unethical recruitment practices pose a potential risk of harm.
- We will work with other organisations to prevent, disrupt and reduce the likelihood of modern slavery in social care.
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is complex. Put simply, it describes a situation where someone is made to do something and another person gains from this. It is also known by the term 'human trafficking'.
Modern slavery is about being exploited and completely controlled by someone else, without being able to leave or a belief that you cannot leave through threats by the person in control. It includes human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced compulsory labour. It is the deception or coercion of a person for the purpose of exploitation.
Modern slavery can be present in any social work, social care or children and young people services setting and victims could be either staff working in a service or people who are using a service.
Some factors that may be present in an exploitation situation include:
- the person seems malnourished, scruffy or unwashed
- they appear under the control of someone else, withdrawn and reluctant to
interact with others - they work excessively long hours with very few days off
- if from overseas, they do not speak much English
- they appear to live in cramped and unsuitable accommodation
- they lack personal possessions and don’t seem to have money, even though
they are working long hours - they appear anxious, fearful and uneasy, avoiding eye contact with others.
Responsibilities as a registered worker under the SSSC Codes of Practice
As a registered worker with the SSSC, you have a professional duty to act when you suspect exploitation or abuse, including modern slavery.
The Code of Practice for Social Service Workers requires registrants to:
- Promote wellbeing and independence while protecting individuals from harm (Code 3) including Challenging and reporting dangerous, abusive or discriminatory behaviour using established systems and within appropriate timescales (Code 3.1) and Following practices, procedures and policies designed to keep me and other people safe at work (Code 3.2).
Employers’ responsibilities under the SSSC Codes of Practice
Employers are bound by the Code of Practice for Employers, which requires them
to:
- Make sure people you recruit are suitable to be social service workers and that they understand their roles and responsibilities (Code 1)
- Maintain a culture and have systems in place to support staff to meet their Code of Practice including promoting an open culture where ethical concerns can be raised safely (Code 2.5) and enabling whistleblowing and take appropriate action in response to concerns (Code 2.8).
How to report concerns about modern slavery
If you suspect that someone is a victim of modern slavery you should:
- act promptly. Do not ignore signs of exploitation.
- record your observations clearly and factually.
- use your organisation’s safeguarding or protection procedures to escalate the concern.
Report externally if necessary, including:
- Police Scotland (101 or 999 in emergencies and where there is serious and imminent risk)
- Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) www.unseenuk.org
- local adult protection teams
- refer to the Worker Support Centre
- contact the Care Inspectorate and report your concerns by calling 0345 600 9527 Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 4.00pm. Or you can email enquiries@careinspectorate.gov.scot
- the SSSC if the concern relates to a registrant’s conduct.