In 2015, the UK Government introduced the landmark Modern Slavery Act, giving law enforcement agencies the tools to tackle modern slavery, including maximum life sentences for perpetrators and enhanced protection for victims.

Section 48 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 includes provision for Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs), previously known as Independent Child Trafficking Advocates, in England and Wales.

ICTGs are an independent source of advice for children who are identified as potentially trafficked and somebody who can speak up on their behalf.

The Government remains committed to the continued national roll out of ICTGs which is now progressed as part of the recently established National Referral Mechanism (NRM) Transformation Programme.

The ICTG service is currently available in one third of local authorities in England and Wales.

This grant funding will cover the continuation of the delivery of the ICTG service in the Early Adopter Sites: West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales (all counties), Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Greater Manchester and the London Borough of Croydon.

The Authority intends to run a Competitive Grants process to select a supplier to deliver the required outcomes in the Early Adopter Sites.

Further information can be found within the competition documents.

If you are interested please register on the Home Office Portal - https://homeoffice.app.jaggaer.com/ and contact Nathaniel.Smith21@homeoffice.gov.uk once registered.