The recent Partnership Meeting covered the pressing issue of modern slavery in the social care sector, alongside critical updates on data security, recruitment, and workforce development. The meeting featured insights from several speakers, each sharing updates and initiatives aimed at improving care and employment standards within the sector.

Cliff Shaw, Merseyside Police

Cliff Shaw opened the discussion with an impactful overview of modern slavery, supported by a moving video of a survivor’s story. He highlighted the exploitation faced by care workers, especially those from India and West Africa, who arrive under false pretenses, only to endure harsh conditions and debt. Shaw also drew attention to the concerning use of the dark web and establishments misused for trafficking, noting that victims can be found even among street vendors and car wash employees. He emphasized the importance of employment rights awareness and reported statistics showing a staggering increase in identified modern slavery cases.

Mohamed Jaishan, Project Support Officer for LSCP

Jaishan introduced updates to the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), essential for data security compliance within social care. This new toolkit version requires Multi-Factor Authentication and is increasingly mandatory for local authorities. Additionally, the DSPT completion allows access to NHS Mail, while support resources include broadband and digital records funding.

Ukhunamure, Administrative Assistant for LSCP

Ukhunamure presented the newly launched Data Security Protection Audit (DSPA), aimed at ensuring business continuity in crises like fires, cyber-attacks, or data loss. He emphasized the necessity of preparedness plans and robust response strategies, sparking a discussion on potential security scenarios.

Mazahir Pachisa, Administrative Assistant for LSCP

Mazahir provided updates on recruitment events, including a new partnership with the University of Liverpool to introduce students to the social care field. Upcoming job fairs, along with the next recruitment event on October 23, will serve as avenues for engaging prospective graduates, followed by assessments on interest and feedback to inform future events.

Alison Davenport, Skills for Care

Alison introduced the newly implemented workforce strategy, which includes a range of resources for social care employees and bi-annual data updates. She highlighted the ongoing workforce expansion, with the sector now employing 1.6 million workers, and the daily availability of numerous job openings across various regions.

We look forward to the next meeting and continuing our collaboration on these crucial initiatives.

1.    Cuckooing and Operation Trespass: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals

Kayleigh from Merseyside Police discussed the increasing issue of cuckooing—the practice of criminals taking over someone’s home for illegal activities such as drug distribution, storage, consumption, or sex work. This exploitative crime often targets vulnerable individuals.

Merseyside Police Initiatives: Operation Sanctuary & Operation Trespass

·         Operation Sanctuary focuses on modern slavery prevention, aiming to reduce drug-related deaths, support victims, and break down the stigma around seeking police help.

·         Operation Trespass is specifically dedicated to tackling cuckooing, ensuring that victims are identified, and properties are secured from further criminal activity. If an address is repeatedly reported for cuckooing, the police temporarily shut it down to prevent further exploitation.

How to Spot Signs of Cuckooing

Community awareness is key to tackling this issue. Signs that a property may be involved in cuckooing include:

✔ Unusual activity – Increased noise, frequent visitors at all hours, doors left open or wedged ajar.
✔ Signs of exploitation – The resident becomes withdrawn, isolates from family and friends, or appears afraid.
✔ Changes in behavior – Refusing entry to landlords or law enforcement, frequently requesting new keys or fobs.
✔ Suspicious financial shifts – The occupant suddenly appears to have more money or resources than usual.
✔ Out-of-place items – Objects around the home that don’t match the resident’s usual lifestyle.

How Cuckooing Happens

Perpetrators manipulate their victims in several ways:

·         Offering money or companionship to those in financial hardship or social isolation.

·         Exploiting debts owed by the victim.

·         Instilling fear, preventing victims from seeking help due to threats or concerns about being labelled a "snitch" or “grass”

Community Awareness & Reporting

Many victims of cuckooing don’t realize they are being exploited, making it essential for the wider community to be vigilant. If you notice suspicious activity, report it to the police. Protecting vulnerable individuals from cuckooing is a collective responsibility.

For more information: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2025/february/cuckooing/

2.    Supporting Young People into Employment: How Social Care Can Benefit from The King’s Trust

Katie from The King’s Trust shared how the organization works to break down barriers to employment for young people aged 18-30, particularly those who have faced disadvantages such as mental or physical health struggles, abuse, or financial instability. By helping them gain skills, confidence, and work experience, the Trust aims to break the cycle where financial insecurity negatively impacts mental well-being. Many young people are eager to work but just need a little lift to get started.

How The King’s Trust Supports Young People

·         Skills Building & Pre-Employment Programs – Preparing young people for the workplace.

·         Mentorship & Ongoing Support – The Trust provides up to three months of continued guidance after placement.

·         Pathway to Work – Helping individuals set long-term career goals and access meaningful opportunities.

How Social Care Organizations Can Get Involved

Social care organizations looking to fill vacancies can partner with The King’s Trust through different levels of engagement:

✅ Level 1 – Recruitment Event (28th March at The Learning Foundry)
A fast-track 10-minute interview process to match young people with vacancies.

✅ Level 2 – One-Week Employer Engagement
An organization hosts talks and workshops tailored to their vacancies to introduce young people to the sector.

✅ Level 3 – Three-Week Work Placements
Structured hands-on experience within an organization to help candidates develop skills and workplace familiarity.

✅ Level 4 – Paid Secondment Opportunities
The King’s Trust funds a secondment, allowing young people to gain employment experience at no cost to the employer.

All engagement levels are customized to each organization’s needs, ensuring a mutually beneficial pathway for both young people and employers in the social care sector.

For social care providers, this presents a valuable opportunity to recruit motivated young individuals, while also making a positive social impact

For more information: katie.taylor@kingstrust.org.uk or scan here

3.    Preventing Radicalization & the Rise of Incel Extremism

Deborah from Liverpool City Council’s Prevent Team highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals from extremist ideologies, including both terrorist groups and the growing threat of misogynistic ‘incel’ communities. While radicalization is often associated with political or religious extremism, incel (involuntary celibate) groups promote deep-seated hatred toward women, posing a rising concern—especially among young men facing social isolation, past trauma, or difficulties in relationships. These individuals, often struggling with abuse, addiction, financial instability, or loneliness, are increasingly targeted by both far-right movements and online forums fostering resentment and hostility.

Who Is Vulnerable?

Those most at risk of radicalization—whether by terrorist groups or incel ideology—are often individuals with underlying vulnerabilities, including:

• Past trauma (abuse, addiction, financial hardship)

• Social isolation and a lack of support systems

• Difficulties forming relationships, especially among young men

• Exposure to online extremist content, including incel forums and far-right ideologies

Key Statistics

• In 2023-24, there were 6,922 referrals to Prevent, marking a 1.5% increase from previous years.

• Only 7% of referrals were adopted into the Channel program, a voluntary support system designed to prevent individuals from becoming involved in extremism.

• Consent is required for Channel participation—individuals must recognize themselves as victims and agree to receive help.

• Participation does not lead to a criminal record, serving as a safety net to prevent individuals from entering the justice system.

• The most common extremist threat in the area comes from far-right groups.

• Alarmingly, over 40% of referrals involve young people aged 11-15.

Key Trends

• Radicalization isn’t just political or religious—online spaces increasingly foster violent misogyny.

• Young men with social challenges may be drawn into incel groups, which fuel anger, resentment, and in extreme cases, violent ideologies.

• Far-right radicalization and incel extremism often overlap, targeting socially isolated individuals.

How Social Care Organizations Can Get Involved

• Duty of Care – Local authorities and social care organizations have a legal responsibility to help prevent radicalization and safeguard at-risk individuals.

• Free Prevent Training – 1.5-hour sessions (online or in-person) are available to social care staff, with no attendance limits, to recognize warning signs of radicalization.

• Understanding the Referral Process – Training covers how to refer individuals to the Channel program, ensuring they receive support before extremist influences take hold.

• Early Intervention – Social care providers play a key role in identifying vulnerable individuals and offering support to prevent escalation into extremist ideologies.

• Targeting Warning Signs – Identifying individuals displaying anger towards women, hostility toward relationships, or engagement in toxic online communities that may signal radicalization risks.

• Channel Program – Referring at-risk individuals to the Channel program for guidance and intervention, preventing criminalization and long-term harm.

• Raising Awareness & Offering Support – Social care organizations can provide structured support to help individuals avoid being drawn into extremist ideologies, including far-right or incel-related beliefs.

For more information:

·         Prevent Engagement Officer: Deborah Rigby 07394559107

Deborah.Rigby@liverpool.gov.uk (Until 31st March 2025)

·         Prevent Engagement Officer: Declan Sammin 077394559105 Declan.sammin@Liverpool.gov.uk

·         Prevent Education Officer: Joanne Fitzsimmons 07515332702 joanna.fitzsimmons@liverpool.gov.uk

4. Updates from Liverpool Social Care Partnership

Jaishan covered the support available from LSCP, including data security protection, cyber resilience initiatives, recruitment opportunities, and upcoming social care events. Key discussions focused on compliance targets, available resources, and ways to get involved in ongoing initiatives.

Data Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT)

• Target: 80% overall compliance by December 2025 (Liverpool currently at 67%).

• Support: LSCP support now available until December 2025.

• Contact ann@lscpinfo.co.uk for individual support.

NW Cyber Digi-Tech Network

• Recent Meeting: Well attended by over 60+ care provider organisations in the North West, featuring talks from PainChek, SmartSocks, Littlefish, and more (complete report can be found here).

• Next Meeting: 19th June, 2025 on Zoom including talks by CareyAI (AI Care Planning), NW CRC, Arquella (Fall Prevention tech).

• Contact jaishan@lscpinfo.co.uk to get involved.

Data Security & Protection Audits (DSPA)

• Starts next week for DSPT-compliant organizations.

• Includes: Cyber resilience drills, business continuity testing, full evaluation, report, certificate, and recommendations.

• Contact marketing@lscpinfo.co.uk to participate.

Recruitment Events

·         Upcoming job fairs by LSCP:

• • Friday, 28.02.2025 (The Blue Base - Salop St, Liverpool L4 4BZ) | 10 AM – 1:30 PM

  • Wednesday, 04.06.2025 (The Liner Hotel - Lord Nelson St, Liverpool L3 5QB) | 10 AM – 1:30 PM

• CACHE L1/L2 Student Interviews: Monthly rotations available.

• Contact carley@lscpinfo.co.uk to get involved.

Additional Information

• LSCP Physical Newsletter: Expected second week of March.

• NW Cyber Resilience Centre: Police-funded support with Merseyside Police Cyber Unit.

• Contact jaishan@lscpinfo.co.uk for more info.

Upcoming Wider Social Care Events

• 10-11 March: Managers Conference

• 13 March: Care England 2025 Conference & Exhibition

• 19-20 March: UK Care Week 2025

• 13 May: Care Roadshow Northwest 2025

• 05 June: Social Care Summit 2025

• 08-09 October: Care Show Birmingham

• 26-28 November: NCASC 2025