Unseen
1348. Phil Bennett
Phil Bennett, from Stratford-upon-Avon, is pioneering the use of data to tackle modern slavery.
After visiting Kolkata, India, in 2015 as part of a trip connecting technical experts with not-for-profit organisations, and witnessing the effects of sex trafficking, Phil was inspired to lend his professional expertise to tackling the issue. Working with the national Modern Slavery Helpline, ‘Unseen’, Phil developed a digital platform to analyse data from over 1,000 calls to the helpline every month.
In a personal letter to Phil, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how your technology is changing the way we are able to track the perpetrators and victims of modern slavery. Your expert knowledge is helping to trace and support the victims of this awful crime.”
Phil said:
“It’s an honour to receive a Points of Light volunteer award and it’s wonderful to see recognition of the impact of UK’s Modern Slavery Helpline.
“The helpline is necessary because unfortunately there are thousands of vulnerable people in the UK who are affected by modern slavery. It’s a vital national resource for victims as well as for people working in government services and companies across the country.
“Volunteering with charities who tackle slavery is a brilliant way to support the national effort to stop this crime. My experience volunteering with ‘Unseen’ has been brilliant and I would encourage others to get involved.”