Modern Slavery in the UK 2015-2025: Reflecting on 10 years of the Modern Slavery Act and the work of the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse

The Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse is delighted to announce their 10th Anniversary Celebration Event on February 6^th – 7^th 2025. This event will bring together practitioners, survivors, academics, friends, and supporters of the Bakhita Centre. It aims to provide an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the Modern Slavery Act in the UK in 2015 and how the work of the Centre has contributed to examining key aspects of modern slavery, human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, with the aim of turning research findings into tangible actions. Over the intervening 10 years, there have been multiple shifts in focus in the modern slavery and human trafficking sector both here and abroad. Over this period, the Centre’s research has identified key issues of concern, working with statutory and third sector partners and people with lived experience to develop targeted interventions.

Please note that some contributions will be in the form of a written or video address.

Day one - 6th February 2025 9am - 7.30pm

Welcome address

• Prof Anthony McClaran, Vice Chancellor of St Mary’s University
• Message From Sir Mo Farah, Patron of the Bakhita Centre.

Introduction to the event

Prof Carole Murphy, Director of the Bakhita Centre.

‘The Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse (The Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery): Looking back / Looking forward’ 

Contributors (Former Directors):

• Dr Sasha Jesperson
• Sir Tom Phillips
• Dr Kathryn Hodges.

Session topics and contributors:

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioners Fireside Chat

Contributors:

• Kevin Hyland OBE, (First Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner), 2017-2019, Strategy Director (Global) Santa Marta Group
• Dame Sara Thornton, (Second Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner), Consultant and Prof of Practice in Modern Slavery, University of Nottingham
• Donna Phillips, Head of Strategic Analysis, UK Independant Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Office.

Lived and Learned Experience from Professional Practice

Discussant:

• Phil Brewer, Specialist Adviser on Modern Slavery at the Human Trafficking Foundation, Honorary Researcher, St Mary’s University.

Contributors:

• Sosa Henkoma, Expert by Experience
• Antonia Pascal, Criminal Exploitation Expert.

Advancing Education and Training in the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Sector

Contributors:

• Dr Anta Brachou, Post Doc Researcher/IMSA Lead, Bakhita Centre
• Vanna Derosas, Project coordinator, Horizons Summer School
• Judith J, St Mary's Student and Volunteer, Horizons Summer School
• Kerry Brighouse, UK Programme Director, Hope for Justice
• Dr Kathryn Hodges, Director, Praxis Collab CIC.

Section 45 / Criminal Exploitation and Circles of Analysis Book Launch

Contributor:

• Dr Craig Barlow, Criminologist and Independent Consultant in Forensic Social Work.

Collaboration / Coproduction and Research Funding in the modern slavery and human trafficking sector

Discussant:

• Dr Anta Brachou

Contributors:

• Maya Esslemont, Director, After Exploitation
• Lived experience experts

Drinks reception with Address from Caroline Haughey OBE KC

Day two - 7th February 2025 9.15am - 6pm

Sessions and contributors:

The Role of Religion in Anti-Trafficking

Contributors:

• Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster (Written address)
• Sr Imelda Poole IVBM OBE, President of Mary Ward Loreto (Written address)
• Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, Chair of the Clewer Initative
• Sr Marie Power HFB, Co-President, Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking & Exploitation (RENATE)
• Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateria and Great Britian, Greek Orthodox Church (TBC).

Modern Slavery: Intersections with Domestic Abuse

Contributors:

• Prof Maria Mellins, St Mary’s University
• Bella Tomsett, PhD Researcher, University of Brighton
• Aivi Doan, Modern Slavery Manager, Refuge
• Charlotte Hooper, Head of Operations for Cyber Helpline.

Racialisation, Globalisation, Colonialism, and the Modern Slavery Act

Contributors:

• Dr Cheriss Francis, St Mary’s University
• Dr Jason Haynes, University of Birmingham
• Debbie Ariyo OBE, Chief Executive, AFRUCA UK
• BASNET.

A Reckoning with Britain’s Broken Immigration System

Contributors:

• Associate Prof Neena Samota, St Mary’s University
• Julia Tinsley-Kent, Head of Policy and Communications, Migrants' Rights Network
• Kunle Olulode MBE, Director, Voice4Change England
• Anya Edmond-Pettitt, Researcher, Institute of Race Relations.

Workshop:

Interactive workshop designed to inspire reflection, dialogue, and action - to identify ways forward for academia and professional practice within modern slavery, human trafficking, exploitation and abuse sectors.

Closing remarks: Summary action plan

Prof Carole Murphy, Director of the Bakhita Centre.