Morning, Wednesday, 16th July 2025
Online
This conference will examine next steps for child protection and safeguarding practice in England, particularly in light of recent policy initiatives aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation. It takes place following the recent announcement of a new statutory national inquiry into child grooming gangs, and with publication of the National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, alongside the Government’s formal response.
Priorities for the national inquiry and tackling grooming gangs following the Casey audit
Delegates will have an early opportunity to discuss priorities for the national inquiry and its remit, including its role in informing future legislation and policy direction. Key areas for discussion include implications of statutory requirements for defendants, witnesses and local authorities to take part, and how the inquiry can address historic failures in investigations.
Attendees will examine recommendations of Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and how its findings and the Government’s response can inform policy and practice going forward. Areas for discussion include the rollout of the national police operation to tackle grooming gangs - to be led by the National Crime Agency - as well as identifying areas where investigations should be instigated, the role of taxi licensing in tackling child exploitation networks, and the impact of proposed changes where convicted criminals claiming asylum will now be rejected refugee status.
Joint working, victim support and accountability
Delegates will discuss the way forward for strengthening multi-agency safeguarding partnerships, including improving data use, inquiry procedures, and performance oversight.
Areas for discussion include how partnerships can respond more effectively to complex cases of abuse and neglect, and better align with public expectations around accountability, looking at best practice in survivor engagement and proposals aimed at depoliticising processes. The agenda looks at practical implications of establishing the Victims and Survivors Panel and the new Child Protection Authority, alongside measures such as closed case appeals, mandatory reporting, and improving survivor redress where convictions are not secured.
Oversight, standards and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Delegates will consider next steps for implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, particularly regarding national oversight and mandatory reporting. Sessions will assess how consistent safeguarding standards might best be supported by the work of the proposed Child Protection Authority, and how those reforms are reflected in provisions within the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Areas for discussion include the Bill’s proposals for a unique child identifier and a register of children not in school, and what is required to be put in place for effective delivery, including workforce readiness, training, and resources for multi-agency teams.
Online child protection and platform responsibility
Attendees will assess challenges for safeguarding children online, in light of the Online Safety Act 2023 and Ofcom’s implementation guidance. Discussion will focus on the roles and responsibilities of technology companies, the effectiveness of prevention initiatives, and the scope for platforms to mitigate harms and remove harmful content.
Wider issues will include the practicalities of embedding a legal duty of care, how guidance can support implementation, and how to balance children’s safety, privacy, and digital access alongside the role of schools and families in managing digital risks.
Contextual harms, risk factors and enforcement
We expect delegates to explore the increasing complexity of risk factors, with a focus on harms beyond the home, such as exploitation through peer networks, gangs, and county lines.
There will be discussion on strategies for identifying children at risk, and how to strengthen support through early help, education, policing, and social care. Implications of the Crime and Policing Bill and implementing practical and coordinated enforcement responses will also be considered, alongside discussion of pressures on safeguarding services linked to workforce capacity, housing instability, and mental health. Delegates will discuss the role of digital tools in supporting investigations, preventing re-victimisation, and improving responses to organised exploitation.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from DfE; DHSC; Ofcom; Ofsted; ICO; NCA; Education Scotland; and DCEDIY, ROI.
