The National Police Chief’s Council lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation (CPAI) has today (insert date) welcomed the findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) following its inspection into child sexual exploitation (CSE) and group-based offending.
The report highlights significant progress made across policing and sets out clear, actionable recommendations to further strengthen prevention, investigation, and cultural change.
NPCC CPAI Lead, Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs said: “I welcome the findings of the HMICFRS inspection, and it’s clear, evidence-based recommendations aimed at strengthening our collective response to group-based child sexual exploitation (CSE).
“It is encouraging to see the progress made since the last inspection, particularly in how forces are improving training, and taking steps to eradicate victim-blaming language. These developments reflect an enduring commitment across policing to protect vulnerable children and young people.
“However, the work does not stop here. The report highlights several areas that must be addressed if we are to build a truly robust and consistent national response.
“With the continued support of the Hydrant Programme and the CSE Taskforce, I am confident that policing can build on the foundations already laid and further strengthen our approach to tackling group-based offending. The NPCC remains committed to working in partnership with law enforcement agencies and third sector organisations through these programmes to embed improvements, share learning, and ensure that all forces are equipped to respond effectively.
“We will now take time to carefully consider the recommendations set out in the report, ensuring our response is both thoughtful and coordinated. Our commitment remains unwavering: to safeguard children, amplify their voices, and relentlessly pursue those who seek to harm them.”
The Hydrant Programme welcomes the powerful findings, which shines a spotlight on the urgent need for consistent, coordinated action to tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE) across the country.
At the heart of the report is a clear call to action:
By 31 July 2026, every police force must implement Operation Makesafe, a frontline prevention tactic that trains hotel staff, taxi drivers, vape vendors, and other public-facing workers to spot and report signs of exploitation. Forces are urged to include this strategy in their CSE returns to the Hydrant Programme, using newly rebranded national materials to drive awareness and impact.
The inspection also highlights the growing success of the Programme’s training, peer support, and review services, which are helping forces build specialist capability and deliver better outcomes for victims of complex grooming and group-based offending.
Crucially, HMICFRS recognises the Hydrant Programme’s leadership in driving cultural change across policing. Nearly every chief constable is now personally leading efforts to eradicate victim-blaming language—supported by vulnerability training, quality assurance audits, and the Appropriate Language Guide, co-developed with The Children’s Society and NAPAC.
Richard Fewkes, Director of the Hydrant Programme, said: “This inspection shows that progress is being made—but there is more to do. We remain committed to supporting all police forces in delivering a consistent, victim-centred, and intelligence-led response to child sexual exploitation. Together, we will drive improvement, share learning, and safeguard children from harm.”
You can read the full report here: Police response to group-based child sexual exploitation has improved, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children - His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services