A formal Assurance and Accountability meeting took place between Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and West Mercia Police on Wednesday (13 March).

The recorded meeting, now available to watch, was an opportunity for the PCC to challenge Temporary Chief Constable, Alex Murray on progress to implement recommendations to safeguard children across West Mercia.

All 13 of West Mercia Police’s recommendations set out in a judge-led independent inquiry, published in 2022, into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Telford were covered in the session.

To ensure the voices of those most impacted by CSE were at the heart of the meeting, feedback from those with lived experience helped inform the PCC’s lines of enquiry.

In his role as the voice of the public in policing, the PCC supports and challenges the Chief Constable through monthly Assurance and Accountability meetings.

Tom Crowther KC, who previously led the inquiry, is returning to Telford in March 2024 as part of the two-year post-publication review to see how West Mercia Police and wider partners have implemented their recommendations.

This meeting was filmed to reassure communities on the work West Mercia Police has done and continues to do to tackle CSE. It can be watched in full on the West Mercia PCC YouTube channel. Visit this link to watch the video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D06GK1oHVTs

PCC John Campion said: “I have heard from victims and survivors about the devastating pain child sexual exploitation has caused and still causes across the three counties.

“This meeting was an opportunity to ensure West Mercia Police is doing all it can to tackle this evil and ensure victims not only have the confidence to come forward but receive the service they expect and deserve.

“Whilst I am reassured about the significant changes that have rightly been made by West Mercia Police, it’s clear there’s more that needs to be done.

“I am committed to ensuring the force has the resources it needs to keep making strides forward, that those with lived experience continue to shape progress and the significant mistakes made in the past are not repeated.”