CBA Lecture: Modern Slavery Training for Criminal Barristers

Monday 27th October 

18.00 – 19.00

Online

The training seeks to equip barristers with a sharper understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking, showing how these issues intersect with a wide range of criminal cases. Attendees will gain insight into the statutory defences available, evolving case law from domestic courts and the European Court of Human Rights, and the practical realities of the National Referral Mechanism. The session will also clarify the responsibilities of police and prosecutors, and the crucial role expert evidence can play in shaping outcomes. By attending, barristers will leave better prepared to identify where modern slavery arguments arise, anticipate evidential challenges, and strengthen their advocacy in this complex and developing area of law.

The following is a short agenda for the session:

• Section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• ⁠ECtHR Case Law update
• National Referral Mechanism in practice
• Legal obligations of the police
• CPS obligations
• Brecani and AAD
• Role of the expert at Court

 This will be followed by a discussion where attendees can ask questions and share case details where relevant.

The training will be delivered online by Bernie Gravett and Colin Carswell.

Bernie Gravett is an internationally recognised expert in human trafficking, modern slavery, and transnational organised crime. A former Metropolitan Police Superintendent, he is co-director of Specialist Policing Consultancy. Bernie advised the UK Parliament in writing the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and acted as an expert witness in V.C.L. and A.N. v. the United Kingdom before the European Court of Human Rights. He has led international trafficking operations and delivered training in over 30 countries for agencies including the OSCE, UNHCR, UNODC, IOM, Interpol, and Europol, as well as advising governments and parliaments.

Colin Carswell is an internationally recognised expert in human trafficking and modern slavery and co-director of Specialist Policing Consultancy. A former Metropolitan Police Superintendent, he has led major international investigations into child and adult trafficking, including pioneering Joint Investigation Teams with Romanian and Bulgarian authorities. Colin has acted as an expert witness to the UK Courts, conducting trauma-informed interviews with over 100 victims. In 2023–24 he served as Special Advisor to the UK Parliamentary Home Affairs Select Committee on human trafficking. His extensive experience provides unique insights into offender tactics, victim vulnerabilities, and evidential challenges in prosecutions.

The access link for this talk will be circulated on the day (27th October)