Modern Slavery Act 2015 Transparency Statement 2024

Colchester City Council works in partnership with a wide range of agencies to prevent abuse and neglect, detect and report occurrences, and support victims. This includes Essex County Council and the Local Safeguarding Boards. The Council also leads the Safer Colchester Partnership (SCP) and plays a significant role in the Colchester Against Modern Slavery (CAMS) partnership. Audits are carried out for the Essex Safeguarding Children Board and Essex Safeguarding Adults Board on alternate years, which include appropriate reference to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

Community Safety Partnership

Staff work with the Safer Colchester Partnership to share insight and co-ordinate action around issues including Modern Slavery.

Colchester Against Modern Slavery (CAMS)

The CAMS Partnership is taking a proactive approach to combat modern slavery and develop resilience within the community. The Safer Colchester Partnership, with the support of Together Free, launched the Colchester Against Modern Slavery (CAMS) Partnership in June 2023 following a conference attended by over 45 delegates in April 2023. Participants co-developed priorities for CAMS towards building a slavery-free community. CAMS meetings are attended by community leaders from charities, community groups, Colchester City Council, Essex Police, and the University of Essex. Partnership meetings are held quarterly, with task and finish groups working on various priorities: Steering Group, Awareness Raising, Training, Safeguarding and Referral Pathways, and Intelligence and Disruption.

Awareness Raising Activities

The CAMS partnership has been involved in various awareness-raising initiatives, including hosting a conference on Homelessness and Modern Slavery on the 10th of October 2023, and organizing ongoing awareness and education opportunities within the wider community.

One of the significant events was the visit of the Knife Angel, also known as the National Monument Against Violence & Aggression, which came to Colchester in October 2023. On the 18th of October, Anti-Slavery Day, CAMS organized a stall at the base of the Knife Angel to raise awareness of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT). This event provided opportunities for discussions around violence and aggression, which are often used to manipulate victims of modern slavery.