Inspection finds Gwent Police committed to child protection
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent (PCC), Jeff Cuthbert, has praised Gwent Police on its child protection practices following a largely positive report from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies, Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS).
The report, which provides feedback from HMICFRS’s February inspection into Gwent Police, commends the service for its strong commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable and prioritising the wellbeing of their staff, particularly those who work in areas of child protection.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent (PCC), Jeff Cuthbert, said: “Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities is one of our key priorities and I am extremely proud of the work Gwent Police do to safeguard children from abuse, exploitation and harm.
“This includes the implementation of ‘Operation Encompass’ to support children experiencing domestic abuse and our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, which brings partners together to safeguard and protect those most vulnerable in our society.
“I acknowledge that some recommendations for improvement have been provided by HMICFRS, primarily around improving communication with children who have witnessed an offence and improving our internal processes to ensure children are able to receive support at the earliest opportunity.
“Gwent Police have already begun to implement some of these recommendations and I will continue to monitor progress in order to ensure that our most vulnerable in Gwent receive the best possible service.”
Gwent Police’s Head of CID and Protective Services, Detective Chief Superintendent Nicky Brain, said: “Gwent Police is committed to protecting vulnerable people, including children, and we are working hard to improve how we manage risk and provide adequate protection, support and safeguarding for children by working closely with our partners in social care, education and health.
“Although Gwent Police has been found to have made significant improvements in our response to protecting children in recent years, we take the recommendations highlighted seriously and plans are in place to address these concerns.”
Assistant Chief Constable Jon Edwards added: “We welcome the findings of this important report. It is very pleasing to note that the inspectors recognised that senior leaders, the PCC and front line staff are clearly committed to protecting vulnerable people, including children. We already have plans in place to address the recommendations outlined and the report recognises the ongoing work we are doing to meet the continuing demands in this area. I want to reassure the communities of Gwent that we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society and ensure they receive the best possible service.”
The full report can be found online by visiting the HMICFRS website www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/wp-content/uploads/gwent-national-child-protection-inspection.pdf