Dear colleague’s,

We are writing to invite you to take part in a national research study led by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, in partnership with Missing People and the NPCC Missing People Expert Reference Group. We would greatly appreciate it if you could share with the relevant practitioners on your network.

The study aims to understand how police forces and partner agencies collaborate to prevent and respond to missing children and young people. Specifically, the research seeks to map current approaches across England and Wales, identify examples of good practice, and explore the common challenges and enablers of effective partnership working.

Why participate?
Your insights are vital to building a comprehensive national picture. By taking part, you will:

• Contribute to a national overview of partnership approaches
• Support shared learning by highlighting what works well and common barriers
• Help ensure your sector’s role is accurately represented
• Gain access to findings that enable comparison and learning across agencies

What’s involved?
There are two ways to contribute:

1. Online questionnaire

• Takes approximately 20–25 minutes to complete
• Option to provide additional detail or indicate interest in follow-up discussions
• The questionnaire will remain open until Friday 3^rd July
• Access here: https://livpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7ZOxAVv1r1stdTo

2. In-person workshop

We are also hosting a one-day workshop in Liverpool (Wednesday 20th May) or London (Friday 12th June)

• Includes focus group discussions with other practitioners, which will explore:

o   Regional variations affecting responses

o   Perspectives on a public health approach

o   Implications for national policy and practice

• If you are interested in attending a workshop, please email Shelley Cathers at [email protected], indicating your organisation and preferred location (Liverpool or London). Further details are available in the attached information sheet.

Confidentiality and use of information
All responses will be treated in strict confidence and anonymised in reporting. The study focuses on systems and approaches rather than evaluating individual agencies or personnel. Your input will be used to inform a national report aimed at strengthening responses to missing children and young people.

Thank you for your time and for contributing to this important research.

Research Team:
Dr Susan Giles (University of Liverpool)
Dr Sara Waring (University of Liverpool)
Dr Freya O’Brien (Liverpool John Moores University)
Shelley Cathers (University of Liverpool)