Welcome to the Course: Understanding Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in Pharmacy

Pharmacy staff are often well placed to spot signs of human trafficking, modern slavery or exploitation during routine patient contact. A request for pain relief, wound care, emergency contraception or medicines advice can reveal fear, restricted freedom, injury or neglect that merits attention.

This course is for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensers, medicines counter staff and other pharmacy team members. It outlines how exploitation can appear in everyday pharmacy practice, the warning signs to look for, how to respond calmly and safely, and when to record and escalate concerns through local safeguarding procedures.

Why This Course Matters

People affected by trafficking and modern slavery do not always disclose what is happening. Pharmacy staff may notice worrying behaviour, untreated injuries, repeat visits or a controlling companion. That makes awareness, professional curiosity and safe action particularly important in pharmacy settings.

• Recognise concerns in everyday practice: Learn how labour exploitation, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and other forms of abuse may present during pharmacy encounters.
• Notice practical warning signs: Identify signs such as fearfulness, restricted communication, untreated injuries, exhaustion, vague living details or someone else controlling the interaction.
• Respond safely and professionally: Learn how to offer privacy, use calm non-judgemental language, meet immediate clinical needs and avoid actions that might increase risk.
• Record and escalate appropriately: Understand that you do not need proof to raise a concern and how factual recording and timely escalation support safeguarding.

How This Course Will Help You

On completion you will be better able to recognise possible exploitation, take actions that protect the patient, and follow safeguarding processes used in pharmacy practice. The course does not instruct you to investigate or confront suspected traffickers; it focuses on noticing concerns, supporting immediate wellbeing and acting safely and appropriately.