An Assessment of the Value of Cultural Competency

An overview of the project methodology

The project focused on individuals facing identity-based oppression to analyse how cultural competency can address modern slavery and re-exploitation risks. The team identified the following research questions:

1. To what extent can engagement and delivery of services to individuals be improved based on their cultural background and identity?
2. What are the cultural and identity barriers for people with lived experience of modern slavery to engage with the necessary professionals and organisations? How can these be managed/mitigated?

The research team conducted four case studies in different geographical areas: West Midlands, Humberside, North Wales, Northeast Coast. For each case study, we collected data through semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups with relevant statutory and non-statutory organisations. Our research also drew on both an online focus group and four online semi-structured interviews with adult survivors of modern slavery to include their voices and expertise.

In the West Midlands, we conducted nine interviews; in the Northeast Coastal area we interviewed five people; while in Humberside and North Wales, we conducted eleven interviews each. Additionally, we held two face-to-face focus groups in Hull and two online focus groups in North Wales. We also conducted four interviews and a focus group with survivors. Interviews and focus groups were semi-structured, wherein short lists of questions related to the issue were designed to guide them.