The Modern Slavery Intelligence Network (MSIN) is a pioneering non-profit collaboration in the UK food and agriculture sector created in response to the findings of Operation Fort, the UK’s largest ever modern slavery investigation. Subsequent dynamics affecting the risks faced by the sector's workforce, including legal and demographic changes as well as disruption on the international stage, have reinforced the relevance and necessity of the Network.
Coming together in 2020, 14 member companies (including retailers, manufacturers and processors) developed an innovative and proactive intelligence-sharing mechanism to enhance their effectiveness in disrupting modern slavery and labour exploitation within the UK.
Information generated by the network is used to detect, prevent and disrupt modern slavery and labour exploitation activity in the industry, protecting workers and improving outcomes for those directly impacted.
During 2022, the systems, guidance and legal structures which underpin the Network were fully established and implemented. Stop the Traffik was formally appointed data sharing partner and analyst for the network, and the MSIN intelligence sharing platform launched. Sharing of intelligence commenced in March 2022, and has been used for all of its intended functions e.g., highlighting where intelligence input to the secure database relates to a shared case, adding value to member input, and the production of shared intelligence, alerts and trend reports.
MSIN was formally launched at a conference in June 2022 which was attended by more than 200 representatives within the industry, as well as from NGOs and law enforcement. The processes for membership expansion have been finalised, including formal expectations for new members to be approved. A graded membership fee structure was implemented in order to facilitate a range of member types.
In 2023, the MSIN will focus on increasing the quality and quantity of intelligence processed, alongside expanding its membership. It will continue to seek influence beyond its membership via continuing engagement with NGOs in the sector and law enforcement bodies.
