Employed IMSAs under the pilot project will be part of a wider network and will be supported by the IMSA Model Hub, hosted by Hope for Justice. This setup is based on best practice lessons drawn from the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) model.

More info: hopeforjustice.org/imsa/

From January, @bawso.bsky.social, SOHTIS, @unseenuk.bsky.social & @medailletrust.bsky.social join a network of IMSAs from Hope for Justice and the Snowdrop Project who will work directly with survivors. Our ambition is that every adult survivor across the UK should have access to an accredited IMSA.

...We are looking forwards to working with other organizations to embed best practice and develop new approaches.”

From January 2026, the IMSA Pilot will welcome new IMSAs from a range of organisations and geographies as we continue to test the IMSA Model.

Ben Ryan, Deputy CEO at Medaille Trust, said: “Medaille Trust is excited to be partnering on the IMSA pilot. We have seen from our own work alongside survivors the incredible value that sustained long-term support can have in the recovery process...

This evaluation will cover six key deliverables, including cohort-level baseline and endline assessments, a value-for-money analysis, and an updated Theory of Change. Budget is approx. £87,000.

For requirements, timeline and submissions process, visit:
hopeforjustice.org/news/call-fo...

The IMSA® Model provides a standardised, accredited advocacy service for adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking across the UK. Given the unique nature of this assignment, *experience working with survivors and lived experience leads is essential*.

The IMSA Project Board consists of Hope for Justice, Snowdrop Project, Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, our co-opted member for Scotland SOHTIS, and now for Wales, Bawso Ltd.

If your organisation like to work with us towards our collective aim for all adult survivors of modern slavery to have access to an accredited, independent advocate then find out more and apply to join the IMSA Pilot: hopeforjustice.org/imsa/#apply

Bawso will represent Wales as a co-opted board member, and will directly employ an IMSA to work directly with survivors towards a sustained recovery. Find out more about Bawso's work and the wider IMSA Project at the link at the top of the thread.

Find out more at:
hopeforjustice.org/news/parliam...

The IMSA model has been endorsed by the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, who is speaking in person at the event. She said previously: “The IMSAs’ advocacy work for victims and survivors of the most appalling crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking is so important.”

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips MP, who has responsibility for modern slavery, is speaking at the launch via video, and welcomes the IMSA Model as "something survivors can trust, and professionals across the sector can rely on". She welcomes the strong involvement of survivors in its development

With help from an independent advocate, survivors can overcome barriers and make informed decisions about their recovery. Such one-on-one advocacy also reduces their risk of being re-exploited.

Hope for Justice, British Red Cross, Snowdrop Project, SOHTIS and Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse are spearheading a new pilot through which organisations will employ Independent Modern Slavery Advocates® (IMSAs®): hopeforjustice.org/news/traffic...

Survivors of other complex crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse and stalking have access to accredited, dedicated professionals to advocate alongside them. However, this vital provision is not yet available to adult survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK.