Rotherham “ahead of the game” on child grooming action

ROTHERHAM is now “ahead of the game” in tackling child sexual exploitation, the town’s new Safeguarding Children’s Board chairman believes.

Steve Ashley’s review, published this morning, follows others by charity Barnardo’s and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

Mr Ashley was formerly an assistant chief constable with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and involved in the Home Secretary’s commission into police failings in the case of Jimmy Savile.

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He was appointed chairman of Rotherham Local Safeguarding Children’s Board last September.

Mr Ashley said: “This review is designed to reassure me and the public that Rotherham is moving forward and protecting vulnerable children and young people from sexual exploitation, and that our leaders are delivering improvement, not just talking about it.

“The leaders of all the key agencies in Rotherham were keen for me to undertake this work and have provided unhindered access to both staff and information. Credit should be given for the open and honest stance taken by all the organisations involved in this review.”

Mr Ashley’s recommendations are for changes to the CSE Team, a simplification of the governance and management structures and better communication with professionals, victims and children considered to be at risk.

 

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