This masterclass provides a comprehensive and practical introduction into modern slavery in the UK, with a specific focus on adult victims. It equips participants with the knowledge and confidence to identify, respond to, and prevent exploitation within a UK context. Beginning with a clear definition of modern slavery and its various forms under law, the session examines relevant case studies to ground learning in real-life scenarios. Participants will explore who is most at risk across the UK and where exploitation commonly occurs, alongside a detailed breakdown of exploitation types and indicators affecting adults. A strong focus is placed on “spotting the signs,” enabling attendees to recognise both subtle and overt indicators in a variety of settings. The session also introduces the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) process, ensuring participants understand how to take appropriate and timely action in line with UK procedures.
Aligned with UK national policy and statutory safeguarding guidance, including duties under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Care Act 2014, this masterclass reinforces key responsibilities for professionals working with adults. It highlights the importance of contextual safeguarding, multi-agency collaboration, and trauma-informed, victim-centred approaches. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of their legal and ethical duties, including when and how to make referrals, share information appropriately, and access available support services for adult victims. Emphasis is placed on proactive safeguarding, early intervention, and compliance with national frameworks, ensuring practice is both lawful and effective. By the end of the session, attendees will be better prepared to identify risk, take action, and support adults experiencing or at risk of modern slavery in the UK.
By the end of this full-day masterclass, participants will be able to:
Understand what modern slavery is in the UK and how it affects adults
Identify the main types of exploitation (e.g. labour, criminal, sexual, domestic servitude)
Recognise key signs and indicators of modern slavery in adult populations
Know who may be most at risk and the factors that increase vulnerability
Understand your role and responsibilities under UK safeguarding frameworks
Gain awareness of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and its relevance to practice
Learn how to respond appropriately to concerns and ensure immediate safety
Understand the purpose and process of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
Develop confidence in recording, reporting, and sharing information appropriately
Be aware of support pathways and services available for adult victims in the UK
Facilitator
Helena Wykes-Dart, Adolescent Safeguarding Consultancy Ltd
As the Director of Adolescent Safeguarding Consultancy Ltd (ASC), Helena brings a passion for both safeguarding and training professionals. Whilst a student, Helena volunteered as a Special Constable, realising her passion for protecting the most vulnerable members of society. This led to a career in the Youth Justice Service, supporting young people at risk of harm and offending. Whilst in this role, Helena was exposed to the innovative approaches of contextual safeguarding, deepening her knowledge of this when participating in the first cohort of training delivered by the Contextual Safeguarding Network. Helena became accredited to deliver contextual safeguarding courses to multi-disciplinary professionals, providing bespoke training to practitioners and community voluntary groups for several years.
As a specialist adolescent social worker, Helena holds frontline experience of reducing the risk of exploitation for those aged 12-25, playing an instrumental role in the development of a bespoke adolescent service and leading contextual safeguarding initiatives in her previous employing Local Authority. This further strengthened her solid foundations of an Undergraduate Degree in Social Psychology and a Masters Degree in Advanced Social Work Practice.
Alongside her previous role as the sole specialist adolescent social worker in the LA, Helena was the Locality Lead for Exploitation, providing oversight and strategic and operational support to senior management and colleagues working to reduce the risk of extra-familial harm. In addition, her practice and training portfolio has expanded to include a dedicated focus on adult victims of modern slavery and exploitation, recognising the intersections between adolescent exploitation and adult vulnerability. ASC ltd is commissioned to deliver a number of adult safeguarding courses, including modern slavery and exploitation training programmes to multi-agency professionals, strengthening cross-sector understanding and responses to complex safeguarding needs across both children and adult services.
Having spent her career working in the field of safeguarding people from exploitation and from entering the judicial system, Helena specialises in reducing the risks faced in the community whilst also upskilling others to do so. Her work now bridges both adolescent and adult safeguarding contexts, reflecting a trauma-informed, contextual approach to exploitation across the life course. Helena is passionate about sharing her knowledge of innovative safeguarding approaches, providing professionals, families, and communities with the tools and confidence to effectively safeguard vulnerable individuals as they navigate the complexities of adolescence crossing the threshold into adulthood.