HMICFRS and Ofsted publish final independent reports into current handling of child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester
The final reports from HMICFRS and Ofsted highlight significant improvements in Greater Manchester's handling of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and child criminal exploitation (CCE). The review, commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham in 2017, found that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and safeguarding partners have made substantial progress in investigations, governance, and multi-agency collaboration. The reports commend GMP's innovative practices, victim-focused approach, and cultural shift in addressing CSE. However, the review also acknowledges past failings and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement. The findings aim to reassure the public that current systems are fit for purpose, though further enhancements are planned.
Greater Manchester Child Protection System Earns Clean Bill of Health After Eight-Year Overhaul
Greater Manchester’s child protection system has achieved a dramatic turnaround, with inspectors declaring it “fit for purpose” after an eight-year reform process sparked by past failures in handling child sexual exploitation cases.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), working with Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, delivered the final verdict Thursday in their assessment of how Greater Manchester Police and local safeguarding partners investigate child exploitation. The report caps a review commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham in 2017 following revelations about systemic failures documented in the BBC’s “The Betrayed Girls.”
“GMP has made significant improvements in how it investigates child sexual exploitation,” inspectors concluded, praising the force’s innovative approach that treats exploitation as serious organized crime and integrates vulnerability teams with serious crime units. The report highlights how this cultural shift has made investigating such cases “everyone’s business” within the force.
The assessment examined 74 victims and survivors identified in previous review reports, acknowledging they were “badly let down” initially but noting the force’s sustained efforts to rebuild trust and provide better support. While some survivors’ confidence in police cannot be restored, inspectors found GMP has “for many years been trying to provide a better service to those who have or may have experienced sexual exploitation.”
Mayor Burnham declared the findings answer the fundamental question posed when he launched the review: “Today we can finally give them a definitive answer. The findings today show people can have confidence that today’s approach is fit for purpose.”
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson, while acknowledging past failures, emphasized the transformation: “Those who are specially charged with this most important responsibility, within Greater Manchester Police and across our multi-agency collaboration, are professional, knowledgeable, dedicated and determined.”
The Greater Manchester Safeguarding Alliance will implement all recommendations from the reports, ensuring continuous improvement as exploitation tactics evolve. Deputy Mayor Kate Green pledged: “We will use their comprehensive and informative reports to continue to drive improvements and standards across our system.”
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