This project explores how a public health approach to the prevention of trafficking and exploitation can be integrated within the delivery plan for Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy 2025. It draws on insights from PEC-funded research led by Dr Liz Such, which developed a continuum of prevention (Before, Early, Treat, prevent Re-trafficking – BETR) of modern slavery based on public health principles. (Related academic publications linked to this work are also available.)
The project will be led by Dr Liz Such in close collaboration with the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre. It will explore how the delivery plan for Scotland’s Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy can embed a public health approach to modern slavery, considering prevention of harms before they occur, intervening early, and treating harms to prevent re-trafficking. Building on this framework, the project will develop a theory of change to underpin Scotland’s revised delivery plan.
The work will also consider how evidence can inform the monitoring, evaluation and learning of the delivery plan. This includes consideration of how progress indicators can be included within the theory of change.
Across the project, researchers will consider how data, evidence and lived experience can play a crucial role in developing government strategies and delivery plans. This novel project will provide an opportunity to reflect on the incorporation of research and evidence within national strategies.
Project team: Dr Liz Such (Kings College London) with support from Owain Johnstone and Giselle Cuffe within the Modern Slavery PEC Policy Impact Team
