The report of the Chief Executive (Document “N”) provides an update on the contemporary strategic response to all forms of exploitation of children and adults at risk of exploitation and how partners from The Bradford Partnership – Working together to safeguard children and the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board work to drive continuous improvement and to hold agencies to account for their work on this subject. This report also outlines the challenges presented to the partnership following the global pandemic – Covid 19 and the current update on progress made to the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Thematic Review recommendations published on July 27, 2021.

Appendix D – Is exempt under paragraph 7 (Crime Prevention) Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972

Recommended -

(1)       The Children`s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee is invited to note the report

(2)       The Children`s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee commit to working closely with partners to Continue to raise awareness of exploitation of both adult and children

(3)       The Children`s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee commit to working closely with partners to deliver on the actions within the developmental action plan and progressing the extensive wider work presently on going in Bradford.

(4)       A further report to be presented in 12 months

(Darren Minton/Jane Booth – 01274 434361)

The report of the Chief Executive (Document “N”) provided an update on the contemporary strategic response to all forms of exploitation of children and adults at risk of exploitation and how partners from The Bradford Partnership – Working together to safeguard children and the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board work to drive continuous improvement and to hold agencies to account for their work on this subject. The report also outlined the challenges presented to the partnership following the global pandemic – Covid 19 and the current update on progress made to the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Thematic Review recommendations published on July 27, 2021.

Officers from the Bradford District Safeguarding Group provided a summary of the Report of the Chief Executive, detailing a multiagency strategic approach and two strategic plans.

Officers outlined the positives of the report to Members which were; an increase in pace, allowing for a focus on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). Furthermore, Officers made Members aware of the continual presence of neglect and that this is an ongoing issue.

Members were keen to understand the impacts of Covid-19 on the ability of partners in Bradford to prevent or mitigate risk of exploitation.

Officers answered by highlighting the fact that with restricted movement, there was less missing children, and it was the strategic approaches that brought this down. However, vulnerable children did not return to school at the same rate. Furthermore, Bradford had maintained a street based youth programme, as well as area based youth work teams engaging at garden gates and green spaces in order to comply with restrictions.

Members sought to understand to what extent the police have changed their approach over the last few years resulting from issues faced by South Yorkshire police with regards to exploitation, and whether West Yorkshire Police have faced the same issues.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police explained to members that exploitation has changed massively in 25 years. The exploitation team is the biggest office in Bradford. With regards to early help PCSOs build relationships and are working in children’s homes. However, there is a significant reduction in resources and, which has been impacted by the recruitment process taking longer to being qualified police officers.

With regards to the issues faced in South Yorkshire, officers highlighted this as a huge issue and informed Members that there is a full partnership assessment which will lead to a city wide action plan creating a positive future of continual improvement.

Members sought to understand the impact of the new format of police training on the type of modules delivered and whether when trained PCs are ready to deal with issues of Domestic Violence etc. Officers explained that there has been a professionalization of police training, so officers are better prepared to be fully rounded officers, who are good quality investigators. New recruits are continually improving with partnership work with Bradford University where officers and students train each other. The force has arranged full day practitioner training courses and workshops by professionals.

Members were made aware of the appointment of a specialist educational safeguarding officer which has been publicised to schools. Furthermore, Bradford schools have taken up more POLED than any other area in West Yorkshire. Members expressed their happiness with the excellent multidisciplinary teamwork demonstrated by officers from West Yorkshire Police, Children’s Services and the Safeguarding Children team.

Members expressed their concerns over the different methodology used in exploiting children with the increase in use of social media, and sought to understand how schools and parents were made aware of this and how to combat it. Officers explained that CSE training is not mandatory however it is good practice to do it, and there is a weekly podcast with updates. However, officers acknowledged that there needs to be more signposting for parents and outreach and due to having a vacant post for a year, this has been difficult to do. More needs to be done to ensure children do not fall through the net to ensure safety.

Members suggested the engagement with families and especially mothers due to the influence they can hold. Members suggested coffee morning where methodologies and the use of exploitation can be discussed and emphasised that women are a captive audience. Officers supported this and emphasised the value of this for religious and migrant communities.

Members sought to understand the importance of youth workers targeting the right people to ensure those children not already on the radar do not slip through the net. Officers stated that resources are stretched but it is likely that the youth service is already supporting CAMHS referrals etc. Officers also outlined that research on adverse childhood experiences demonstrates a need to invest in the childhood and not just the service, as early experiences keep children at risk of exploitation.

Officers made Members aware that No Further Action (NFA) was used when there was no alternative on the computer. Many were NFA as the local authority didn’t need to do any more due to school or early help involvement. Officers agreed the use of NFA was slightly misleading, and assured members that the system is more sophisticated now.

Members were concerned about the number of repeat referrals and that information was not being taken on board in order to combat this. Officers outlined the view that there is Audit work being completed on this, but that in exploitation, a referral is a strength. In creating a universal safety plan, children are told to tell someone if anything else happens.

Members sought to understand the level of County Lines activity in the Bradford District. Officers from West Yorkshire police outlined that there are individuals connected to multiple areas. This is high on the agenda.

The Committee thanked officers in partnership for the report and for their attendance at the committee.

Resolved –

(1)  The Committee would like to thank officers for their attendance.

(2)  This Committee requests that a progress report be presented in 12 months.

(3)  This Committee requests the review into existing CSE services and development of the Multi-Agency Exploitation Hub, be presented to this Committee in the new Municipal Year.

Action – Bradford Council Chief Executive

                                    (Darren Minton/Jane Booth – 01274 434361)