HMICFRS finds improved police and partnership response

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has reported that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and its safeguarding partners have improved their handling of child exploitation investigations.

The findings were published on 4 July 2025, in a joint report with Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection into GMP’s response to child criminal and sexual exploitation.

HMICFRS said GMP had made “significant improvements” in its investigation of child sexual exploitation, and described Greater Manchester’s complex safeguarding peer review programme as contributing positively to risk reduction.

The report assessed GMP’s approach to investigating current and non-recent cases of exploitation, the complex safeguarding peer review system, and its engagement with the 74 survivors identified in previous independent reviews commissioned by the Mayor in 2017.

A separate overview by Ofsted reviewed inspection results from all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester, identifying leadership, preventative efforts and exploitation response structures across the region.

Peer review system highlighted as an example of effective safeguarding

HMICFRS reported that Greater Manchester’s multi-agency complex safeguarding peer review system had enabled strategic partners to evaluate and improve case handling in child exploitation incidents.

The peer review system involves the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, all ten local authorities, Greater Manchester Police and the NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board.

Inspectors described the collaboration as unique and stated it had supported more consistent standards and earlier interventions across partner organisations.

According to HMICFRS, the review system had helped raise potential concerns earlier and contributed to risk reduction in cases of criminal and sexual exploitation.

The process was cited as an example of innovative practice, and the report included specific cases where this approach had improved safeguarding outcomes.

GMP’s current approach to child sexual exploitation described as a ‘cultural shift’

The report concluded that GMP’s current child exploitation investigations showed a marked change from previous years and were considered a model of best practice.

It stated that child sexual exploitation is now treated as serious and organised crime when appropriate, allowing for use of specialist tactics and broader investigative teams.

According to HMICFRS, GMP has integrated serious and organised crime teams with vulnerability specialists, which the inspectors described as “unusual but beneficial”.

The review also reported that the force had learned from previous failings and had made active efforts to support and listen to survivors.

Inspectors said the CSE Major Investigation Team showed dedication and that its work was governed effectively, improving the chances of successful outcomes for victims.

Historic failings acknowledged with commitments to survivor support

HMICFRS reviewed GMP’s actions in relation to 74 survivors named in earlier reports, noting that victims had been let down in the past through failures in recording, language and follow-up.

The report acknowledged the loss of trust among some survivors could not be recovered but highlighted that GMP had since improved its approach.

HMICFRS noted that efforts had been made to work with victims and ensure better service provision.

Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: “The exploitation of children is amongst the most abhorrent of crimes; made worse by the failures of systems, agencies and individuals to protect those most vulnerable. I reiterate my apologies to those whom we have failed in the past. I am sorry that when you needed us, we were not there for you.”

Sir Stephen added: “To those survivors for whom a lack of trust and confidence in the police persist; or to anyone who has suffered in the past but has felt unable to reach out to us; I want to send a clear message today. The passage of time is no barrier to justice: if you are a survivor – when you are ready, we will listen and act if you want us to.”

Regional safeguarding plans to implement findings

The Greater Manchester Safeguarding Alliance will oversee implementation of the report’s recommendations, according to statements from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The alliance includes chief executives and directors of children’s services from the region’s councils, GM NHS, GMP’s Chief Constable, the Deputy Mayor and the GMCA Chief Executive.

Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said: “We will use their comprehensive and informative reports to continue to drive improvements and standards across our system, and we pledge to take forward every single one of the recommendations through our Safeguarding Alliance.”

Kate Green added: “While I believe we now have that assurance, my thoughts today are for the children we let down, who are now adults living every day with the impact of their abuse. We cannot undo the wrong you suffered, but we are determined that no child will ever again be failed as you were.”

The alliance is expected to ensure that improvements are sustained and adapted to address evolving patterns of offending.

HMICFRS review shows improvements in Greater Manchester child exploitation response: Summary

HMICFRS has published its final report into GMP’s and safeguarding partners’ response to child sexual and criminal exploitation.

The report was developed with support from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission.

It found GMP had improved its investigations of child sexual exploitation.

It highlighted Greater Manchester’s complex safeguarding peer review as an effective system.

It noted GMP’s integration of serious and organised crime and vulnerability teams as beneficial.

The report said GMP was committed to listening to and supporting survivors.

Ofsted separately published an overview of inspections from all 10 Greater Manchester councils.

That overview found complex safeguarding teams were effective even where other services needed improvement.

The Safeguarding Alliance will take forward all recommendations made in both reports.

The reports mark the final stage of the Mayor’s independent assurance process launched in 2017.