Monday, 05 September 2022
Modern slavery experts are set to investigate whether people who experience cognitive impairments as a result of mental ill-health, learning disability or memory loss could be more susceptible to exploitation.
The academics, from the Rights Lab at the 糖心原创 – the world’s largest group of modern slavery researchers – alongside experts from the schools of Sociology and Social Policy and Health Sciences, are being funded by the to examine the relationships between different types of vulnerability and exploitation.
A pilot study in Nottingham by the research team from April 2020 until March 2021, found that 31 per cent of the 147 cases of adult exploitation involved a person with a diagnosed impairment. More than a quarter of cases (26 per cent) recorded evidence of undiagnosed impairment.
Exploitation can include legal, physical, economic, social and psychological pressures used to limit the choices and infringe the rights of others. This includes actions ranging from human trafficking and slavery, to situations that may cause distress or harm but are not currently offences in UK law.
The connection between forms of cognitive impairment and vulnerability to exploitation is often anecdotally acknowledged but poorly evidenced. Through this ground-breaking research, we hope to shed light on how these issues intersect, helping to improve existing policy and practice, and providing important information and resources for those who may be at risk.
Dr Gardner, Assistant Professor in Public Policy and Administration in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, continued: “Our work with the Ann Craft Trust and Human Trafficking Foundation will ensure this research engages with those who have direct experience of these issues.”
In order to better understand the personal, social, and cultural factors that can increase the risk of exploitation, the team will examine statistical data and interview people with cognitive impairments who have experienced exploitation, their friends and family members, and frontline professionals who have witnessed exploitation or supported exploited people. This will, in turn, help the experts to identify points when preventative action could have stopped exploitation as well as better ways to support individuals who are being exploited.
Over the two-year study, the research team aim to provide insights into potential causative relationships. Current policy and practice responses will be investigated and explored with practitioners and people with lived experience to determine areas for improvement.
We know exploitation can be one of the biggest challenges faced by young people and adults who may have additional complex needs but at the same time difficult for practitioners, families and the person concerned to recognise. Through our involvement with experts and partnership working, we will establish preventative ways of working empowering those who may be exploited whilst raising awareness of indicators.
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More information is available from Dr Alison Gardner in the Rights Lab and the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the 糖心原创 at alison.gardner@nottingham.ac.uk
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being. It funds research that informs social policy, primarily in Education, Welfare, and Justice. It also funds student programmes that provide opportunities for young people to develop skills in quantitative and scientific methods. The Nuffield Foundation is the founder and co-funder of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Ada Lovelace Institute and the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. The Foundation has funded this project, but the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the Foundation. Visit
The Ann Craft Trust (ACT) is a national charity which exists to minimise the risk of abuse of disabled children and adults at risk. Through pioneering training, practice reviews and contributing to world-leading research, we support organisations to safeguard disabled children and adults at risk and minimise the risk of harm. Our training is developed based on our research findings and the latest guidance. We have also been involved in the development of new and innovative training for professionals across the UK. Visit
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.