Child Sexual Exploitation-Scrutiny Inquiry

Overview

What is Scrutiny?
Scrutiny provides the role of the "critical friend" to the decision makers within the Council. It assists in strategic policy development, it drives improvement in public services and it enables the voice of the public to be heard.

Scrutiny In Birmingham
There are eight Overview and Scrutiny Committees, which are structured to cover every aspect of the City Council's work, ensuring that Cabinet Members are accountable for the decisions they make and for the services being delivered across the city. The Health and Social Care Committee also oversees health issues and looks at the work of the NHS in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.

The Committees carry out detailed investigations focusing on particular topics falling within their portfolios. This involves speaking to many different organisations, individuals and other interested stakehilders. Sometimes information is gathered in formal meetings, and sometimes Councillors work in smaller informal groups. When all the evidence is collected, a report is produced that makes recommendations on how things could change to improve services.

The Education and Vulnerable Children Overview and Scrutiny Committee has recently launched an inquiry into what needs to be strengthened  in the way the council prevents and deals with Child Sexual Exploitation and in its working with partners. 

Why your views matter

This is not a formal consultation but Councillors are keen to hear from as many people and organisations who are dealing with Child Sexual Exploitation in order to help,  influence and shape this piece of work. If you would like to contribute to the inquiry, please fill out the online survey.

If you wouild like any further information please contact either Benita Wishart , Benita.Wishart@birmingham.gov.uk or Iram Choudry on  Iram.Choudry@birmingham.gov.uk

Thank you

What happens next

Once the committee concludes its "evidence taking", a report on its findings will be presented to all of the Councillors at the City Council and will contain a series of recommendations for implementation. We are hoping to have this ready for October 2014..