, the current Deputy
Children’s Commissioner, has been selected to take up the role of
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
She will play a key role in helping to drive the UK’s response to
this devastating crime.
The unique role was established by the Modern Slavery Act 2015,
and is independent of government. The Commissioner works
collaboratively with the government and its partners to ensure
modern slavery is effectively tackled in the UK, as well as
working with international partners to promote best practice.
Ms Lyons was selected for the important role by Home Secretary
following a robust
competition, conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on
Public Appointments.
Home Secretary, said:
I congratulate on her appointment and look
forward to working with her to tackle modern slavery. She will
provide tremendous insight and expertise as she takes up this
role.
Ms Lyons said:
Modern slavery and human trafficking are abhorrent crimes. Our
response must be focused on prosecuting those responsible,
preventing further exploitation and protecting victims,
particularly those least often heard. The Independent
Anti-Slavery Commissioner was created to drive efforts forward
and encourage best practice across the UK.
I look forward to working constructively with stakeholders and
building on the progress that has been made since the role was
created. I am committed to a victim-centric approach and to
ensuring that survivors’ experiences inform my work to effect
meaningful change.
Ms Lyons will be expected to:
- encourage good practice in the prevention, detection,
investigation and prosecution of slavery and human trafficking
offences and in the identification of victims
- work alongside Government in its implementation of the reform
of National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to improve UK’s ability to
identify and support victims of modern slavery
- commission specific research, studies and inquiries to
strengthen the evidence base on modern slavery to support the
mobilisation of appropriate responses and the commissioning of
interventions
- build positive relationships with the modern slavery
leadership community, including the Devolved Administrations,
business, academia, civil society, international partners and
victims of modern slavery
The appointment is designated for a fixed period of three years,
with Ms Lyons taking up the role from 11 December 2023, after she
concludes her role as Deputy Children’s Commissioner. Between
November 2019 and July 2020, Ms Lyons was Director for Portland
Communication Consultancy. Between November 2017 and August 2019,
she was Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, Defence Secretary
and Chief Whip.
