There are “fundamental deficiencies” in the way the Met “understands and responds to child abuse and sexual exploitation” and that this is “putting children in London at risk.” [1]
The Police and Crime Committee will meet tomorrow to explore the Met’s approach to child protection and the effectiveness of London-wide efforts and partnership arrangements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in London. Questions discussed will include:
- How well do the agencies responsible for safeguarding and protecting children work together?
- What are the main challenges in protecting and safeguarding children in London?
- Can safeguarding services be embedded in neighbourhood policing?
- Are the Met’s child protection staffing levels sufficient?
The guests are:
- Commander Richard Smith, Metropolitan Police
- Detective Superintendent Steven Chandler, Metropolitan Police
- Carmel Littleton, Director of Children’s Services, London Borough of Islington
- Angela Harris, Regional Manager – London, St Christopher’s Fellowship
- Gwen Kennedy, Director of Nursing South London/Regional Lead for Safeguarding, NHS England (London)
- David Beard, Head of Corporate Safeguarding, Barnardo’s
The meeting will take place on Thursday 30 November from 10:00am in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE via webcast or 
YouTube
Follow us 
@LondonAssembly and take part in the meeting discussion using #AssemblyPolice and #ChildProtection
Notes to editors
- According to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS)
- Full Agenda papers
- Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.