Lin Sands (NWG Police & Justice Lead) will be facilitating the forums

The forum runs on a quarterly basis, is chaired independently of the NWG Network and provides a variety of speakers within the field of Police and Justice.

The focus of each session will be to consider current challenges, themes and trends in respect of Child Exploitation; they will enable members to discuss specific issues and challenges within a safe and neutral space whilst also providing a platform for local, regional, national and international networking opportunities.

We would ask that if you have one particular theme for the forum discussion, you email Lin ([email protected])

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NWG POLICE & JUSTICE FORUM

Thursday 23^rd April 2026 (10:00-13:00)

“Addressing Safeguarding requires a united front, where law enforcement, justice systems and partners work together”  

The aim of the forum is to provide you all with;

1. An introduction to The National Vulnerability and Public Protection Strategy which has been developed by the VKPP in partnership with the college of Policing and the NPCC.
2. Updates on what work is being done regarding the government agreed National Panel Recommendations, to explore the planning and implementation.  
3. Recognition of the importance of partnership working & response.

“Thank you for attending the Police & Justice Forum. We’re meeting at a time when policing, partners and the wider justice system are under real pressure not just operationally, but in terms of public confidence.

Nationally, we’ve seen some stark reminders of where the system is falling short. The recent findings following the Southport attack pointed to what was described as a systemic failure, not of one agency, but across policing, safeguarding, health, education, and intervention. That raises a fundamental question; are we truly working as a joined-up system, or are risks still falling between the gaps in all areas of Safeguarding?

We’re also seeing the nature of crime evolve rapidly. Offences like stalking are rising sharply, increasingly driven by technology—tracking devices, online harassment, and digital coercive control and the increase of CSAE. The question is whether policing, partners and indeed the wider justice system, is keeping pace with that change. Giving thought to future Police & Justice Forums.”

Lisa Robinson – Interim Police & Justice Lead

For this month’s forum, we are delighted to welcome two keynote speakers who will provide valuable updates from the VKPP and the CSA Centre. Their insights will strengthen our collective understanding of current challenges, emerging trends and effective responses.

Firstly, we would like to introduce Caroline Adams QPM, Senior Programme Lead from the Vulnerability Knowledge Practice Programme (VKPP).

Caroline will be introducing us to the National Vulnerability & Public Protection Strategy.

Next, we would like to introduce Paul Burnside, Practice Improvement Advisor – Policing, from the Centre of expertise on Child Sexual Abuse. Paul will be updating on the 6-government agreed National Panel recommendations which all LA areas should now be planning and implementing.

AGENDA

10.00 – Opening & Welcome;
Bina Parmar (Head of Direct Delivery) and Lisa Robinson (Interim Police & Justice Lead) 

Lisa Robinson – Interim Police & Justice Lead -Introduction Presentation by Caroline Adams QPM, Senior Programme Lead from the Vulnerability Knowledge Practice Programme (VKPP)

National Vulnerability & Public Protection Strategy + Q&A

Paul Burnside, Practice Improvement Advisor –
Policing, from the Centre of expertise on Child Sexual Abuse.

6 National Panel Recommendations + Q&A

Any other business + Q&A

12.00 – Close