As the ten-year anniversary of the publication of the Independent Inquiry into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham, conducted by Professor Alexis Jay OBE, draws near it’s a moment to reflect and recognise the courage of those victims who suffered some of the most horrific abuse.

Whilst policing has undergone transformational change in its response to protecting children from harm and exploitation, we recognise that CSE today looks different to that detailed in the Jay Report. It has significantly evolved, advances and morphs into an approach less recognisable than the one before but the information we share means we can identify some of the behaviours which come before the abuse and take action to prevent harm.

At the heart of driving transformation and change the Hydrant Programme, which was established in 2014 continues, with a clear-sighted aim to improve the police service response to the safeguarding of children and investigation of child sexual abuse, alongside increasing victim, survivor and public confidence in the police approach. 

Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, the NPCC Child protection and Abuse Investigation Lead said: “We know that in the last decade reports of child abuse and exploitation have increased nationally by 400% and as such, we continue to reaffirm our commitment with our partner agencies to continue in our drive to protect children from the most heinous crimes.

“The Hydrant Programme, TOEX Team and the Vulnerability Knowledge Practice Programme (VKPP) continues to support police forces across England and Wales with some of the most complex child abuse and exploitation investigations being progressed every day. To support this a strong Partnership Hub has also been built, ensuring that partners and stakeholders from across the vulnerability sector have a route into policing and that work is joined up and effective. This collaborative work makes a significant difference and puts victims and survivors at the heart.”

More recently, the Government’s formation of a new Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce in 2023 continues to enhance the police and partnership/wider response to bring more offenders to justice and to protect children from these appalling crimes.

Richard Fewkes, Director of the Hydrant Programme and CSE Taskforce said: “Since Hydrant was established, we have been on a journey, working alongside law enforcement, partner agencies and third sector organisations to ensure some of the most vulnerable members of our communities are protected from harm.

“We have grown to develop strong and successful relationships to be in a position of strength with the aim of bringing more perpetrators to justice and prevent offending.

“Our focus is to continue enhancing the trust and confidence of all those we work with, and for, ensuring progress is in the best interests of victims and survivors who will remain at the heart of what we do.”