Statement following BBC Panorama's programme on child sexual exploitation in Oxford
The experiences of the victims and survivors featured in the BBC Panorama programme are deeply distressing. The abuse they suffered was completely unacceptable, and our thoughts remain with all those affected.
The programme examined historical cases of child sexual exploitation in Oxford, including those connected to Operation Bullfinch.
A Serious Case Review conducted following Operation Bullfinch identified significant failings in the way agencies responded at the time. Oxfordshire County Council accepted the findings of that review and apologised for those failings.
The review led to significant changes across Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police, health partners and safeguarding agencies. By the time the Serious Case Review was published in 2015, it reported that its key recommendations had already been implemented.
Changes were made to strengthen safeguarding arrangements, improve multi-agency working, ensure that children and young people were listened to, and enhance the identification of and response to child sexual exploitation.
Protecting children remains our highest priority. Children's services in Oxfordshire have been inspected by Ofsted on multiple occasions over the past 12 years and have consistently been rated ‘Good’, with inspectors recognising effective partnership working and positive practice in safeguarding children, including the response to child sexual exploitation.
Today's safeguarding arrangements are very different from those that existed during the period covered by the programme. The council works closely with police, health partners, schools and voluntary sector organisations to protect vulnerable children and young people, support victims and survivors, and help bring perpetrators to justice.
We recognise that the programme may be difficult and upsetting for victims, survivors, their families and others affected by child sexual exploitation. We remain committed to listening to victims and survivors, supporting our safeguarding partners, and continuing to do everything possible to keep children and young people safe.
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