The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK's process for identifying and supporting potential victims of trafficking and modern slavery.
A person can be referred to the NRM by a First Responder organisation.
First Responders include:
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) operates differently in England and Wales and in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For information about the process in each part of the UK, see the government guidance for:
Page updated: 17 July 2026
