National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK system used to identify, support, and protect people who may be victims of modern slavery or human trafficking.
This information is not legal advice – it is meant to signpost information only. Please seek a professional opinion before taking action.
Legal definition
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. Victims may not be aware that they are being trafficked or exploited, and may have consented to elements of their exploitation, or accepted their situation. If first responders – including the police and certain NGOs – think that modern slavery has taken place, the case should be referred to the NRM so that the relevant competent authority can fully consider the case. First responders do not need to be certain that someone is a victim.
What it looks like in real life
First responders such as police must ask adult suspected victims of trafficking for their consent to be referred to the NRM. If adult cases do not consent to be referred to the NRM, authorities still have a Duty to Notify the Home Office about suspected trafficking cases, though victims' identities are not shared with a Duty to Notify. See more on NOA's page about NRM referrals.
