Child sexual exploitation assurance review underway

An independent review will seek to provide assurance that Greater Manchester has the right culture, and best systems in place, to protect children from sexual exploitation (CSE).

The report has been commissioned by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in response to public concern regarding issues raised in recent broadcasts.

The Mayor stated: “Sexual exploitation and abuse of children is abhorrent. I want a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of exploitation and abuse, where we constantly challenge ourselves to improve how we identify those at risk, give them a voice, investigate all reports, and prosecute those responsible.”

The review will provide a detailed timeline of events, actions, and decisions taken in previous reviews and reports. It will examine the recommendations in all published inquiries and reviews, following the convictions for the Rochdale child sex scandal in 2012, to highlight any gaps and risks which may remain.

The effectiveness of policies and processes now in place, under the Project Phoenix partnership arrangements, will also be reviewed. This will include an assessment of whether findings suggest that child sexual exploitation is being adequately addressed in Greater Manchester.

Finally, the review will provide recommendations which will help to guide the future direction of the response to CSE in Greater Manchester. This will include any changes to prevent victimisation and to further enhance services provided to victims.

The independent assurance team will report directly to Baroness Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime who said: “This review is important as it is being carried out on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, who rightly expect our children to be properly protected from harm and abuse.

We want to ensure not only that current practice is the best it can be but also that we can respond effectively to any emerging new risks in the future”

Findings will be reported back in spring 2018 and will be published.