Abstract

This executive summary report presents findings from the evaluation of the Back in Control 2 project, which supports adults affected by modern slavery and labour exploitation in Sunderland. The evaluation shows that clients experience clear improvements in safety, stability, independence and wellbeing, particularly with longer engagement. Survivor accounts highlight exploitation driven by deceptive recruitment, financial control and coercion, while stakeholders identify barriers such as insecure immigration status, limited language support and fragmented services. The report concludes that BiC2’s trauma-informed, holistic model is essential for both immediate stabilisation and long-term recovery, and that sustained funding and stronger multi-agency coordination are critical to preventing re-exploitation and improving outcomes.