Below is a set of short, visually-led, accessible tools to support those engaging together in research on modern slavery and human trafficking to embed best practices of ethical research in their work, consider current patterns of challenge and explore how to address these challenges. 

This work is based on the findings of a recent project "Ethics in modern slavery research" led by the University of Liverpool and University of Nottingham.

Developed in collaboration with Traumascapes, the tools are:

• An animation on ethical research governance for research organisations (such as universities), research funders and ethics committees.
• An infographic on co-production for all those working in research teams to design, implement and deliver research on modern slavery.
• An onboarding tool for research participants available in English, Arabic, Portuguese and French.

A set of accessible guidance notes are also available that summarise key findings and recommendations on: ethical governance of research; ethical co-production and ethics of research participation.

Animation on Ethical Governance

This animation on ethical governance in research focusses on upward scrutiny of institutional systems and structures. It offers insights for research organisations, research funders and ethics committees that want to create the conditions for ethical research to really happen. It addresses:

• equity in funding arrangements and partnership building
• improvements that could be made to ethics review processes
• the role of funders in supporting good budgeting practices to enable trauma-informed research practices

Infographic on Co-production

This infographic on co-production is designed for all those working in research teams to design, implement and deliver research on modern slavery - particularly where that involves colleagues and participants with lived experience expertise. 

It is designed to help you reflect on your practice, address some practical challenges and consider how to work in partnership across organisations, sectors and role types. 

It offers a guided pathway through the research process highlighting actions that can be taken at four identified stages of the research cycle: 

Connecting with research partners > Assembling research teams > Co-delivering ethical data collection > Sharing research findings

Onboarding tool for research participants

This onboarding tool offers a 1-page summary to help research participants be aware of good ethical practices within research. 

It is designed to enable participants to ask questions of the researchers and institutions they’re working with during the onboarding process and to support informed consent particularly where language may be a barrier. 

It is also a useful tool for research teams to use together to ensure they are embedding all feasible supports possible for participants within the budgetary scope and timeframe of their planned project.