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Simon Bailey QPM, DL, CBE is the former National Police Chief Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigations. In this blog, Simon reflects on the origins of Hydrant (formally known as Operation Hydrant) and his personal reflections having lead the portfolio for seven years.

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.

This month we will reflect on the hard work, progress and partnership leading to better outcomes for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

On Monday 1 July, Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs became the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation, taking over from Ian Critchley QPM who has a new role with the College of Policing.

J is a survivor of Child Sexual Abuse. She says: "The abuse I endured doesn’t define me but it’s part of my story, and I hope that sharing it will be helpful for other survivors and those who support them."

A year since the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce was launched by the Prime Minister, yesterday (Monday 20 May), Home Secretary, James Cleverley MP marked the occasion by hearing firsthand how policing is working at a local and national level to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and prevent harm.

Starting Monday 13 May this year’s theme focuses on movement: moving more for our mental health. One in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and it can affect anyone.

Ian Critchley QPM, National Policing Lead for Child Protection, has responded to Ofcom online safety proposals.

The NSPCC has partnered with Life Lessons to launch a new framework for secondary school leaders to support them in delivering sex and relationships in education.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police chiefs in Europe expressed their ‘deep’ concern that end-to-end encryption is being rolled out in a way that undermines their ability to investigate crime and keep the public safe and the NPCC has responded.

Responding to the report, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Child Protection Ian Critchley QPM, said: “The work of the IWF is crucial in the identification, removal and reporting of child sexual abuse material. 

“Working together to provide hope and light to those who have lived in darkness and despair” - that’s the message from policing’s child protection lead, Ian Critchley QPM, following the Vulnerability and Exploitation Conference 2024.