Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the partnership’s progress against the action plan from the joint targeted area inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to the criminal exploitation of children in Cheshire East.

The committee received the report which provided an update on the partnership’s progress against the action plan from the joint targeted area inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to the criminal exploitation of children in Cheshire East.

The committee noted that colleagues from the police had been unable to attend due to an inspection coinciding with the meeting. A concern regarding cuts to the number of police community support officers available to support young people, for example with online safety, was highlighted as an area to be raised with police colleagues. Officers would take this away to feed back to the police after the meeting.

Members commented that the report focused on the volume of activity carried out and that it would be helpful to understand what impact these actions have had. It was requested that this be incorporated into future reports. A further request was made for future reports to include a greater level of detail; it was noted that there would be a risk in presenting too much detail which could result in individuals being identifiable, and therefore it would require careful consideration as to how this could be done, but that the request would be taken on board.

A query was raised as to arrangements for safeguarding training for members and it was noted that details of this would be shared following the meeting.

It was suggested that the findings of the report be shared with town and parish councils.

Members thanked officers and partners for this work.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Children and Families Committee:

1.    Scrutinise the report on the progress to date and impact on outcomes for children and young people at risk of exploitation.

2.    Continue to offer support and scrutiny to the partnership in this important work.

3.    Agree to receive a report in early 2024 with a further update on progress made against the JTAI action plan.