About Black Box

Black Box Research and Consultancy was established in 2019 to address the growing need for evidence-based expertise in modern slavery, exploitation and the wider criminal justice system.

We are a multidisciplinary team specialising in criminal exploitation, modern slavery, youth violence, homelessness, neurodivergence, coercive control and online-enabled harm. Our work blends academic research, frontline experience and extensive courtroom expertise to ensure that professionals across the UK are equipped to identify, understand and respond to complex forms of exploitation.

Since 2019, we have worked on more than 700 modern slavery cases across criminal courts, First-tier Tribunals and appeals, providing independent expert evidence that has shaped legal outcomes and protected victims. Our team is trauma-aware and trauma-focused, having undergone external audits and specialist training to ensure safe, ethical and person-centred practice.

Alongside our expert witness work, we provide specialist training, commissioned research and programme evaluations for local authorities, police forces, legal teams, charities, community organisations and corporate clients. Our approach is grounded in the latest research and informed by real-world practice, ensuring our partners receive analysis that is accurate, accessible and actionable.

We are committed to improving safeguarding, strengthening multi-agency responses and contributing to long-term systemic change. By working collaboratively with practitioners, policymakers and communities, we aim to build a deeper understanding of exploitation and support those affected by it to achieve safer and fairer outcomes.