Deadline for bids to run Telford child sexual exploitation inquiry extended

Telford & Wrekin Council said the decision to allow organisations more time was taken after survivors outlined areas they want the inquiry to cover.

In a statement the council said that while holding discussions about the inquiry with victims of CSE in the area it became clear that the timescale for bids was “too optimistic”.

Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member responsible for the independent inquiry, said: “The survivors committee is crucially important in ensuring that the independent inquiry reflects the needs and concerns of victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation and that we all acknowledge the pain that they have and continue to feel.

“We have taken their comments on board, as well as feedback from potential bidders and feel it is in everybody’s interests to extend the deadline for the appointment of the Commissioning Body.

“Any organisation who is interested now has the time to fully explain why they are the right people for the job.”

The council said that throughout the summer it has been working with the survivors committee, which was established to represent survivors and victims of child sexual exploitation in Telford.

Their focus has been the documents that support the tender process for the council-commissioned inquiry and ensuring they reflect concerns the survivors committee has.

The committee is also writing some terms of reference about what they most want the inquiry to look at.

They will be given to the commissioning body to use once it has been appointed.

The commissioning body for the inquiry is being chosen by an open tender process.

Originally the council hoped to have it completed by the end of August, but after listening to feedback from the survivors committee, as well as potential bidders, the authority said “it became clear this was too optimistic”.

The bidding process will now close at the end of October.

Once the commissioning body is appointed they will then select the independent chair.

A Holly Project spokesperson said: “The Holly Project has a representative on the survivors committee and we’re pleased that victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation in Telford are working with the council and are able to be very clear about what they want from the Independent Inquiry. As a result the council is making changes to the inquiry tender documents to make it better for them.

“It’s really important that this inquiry isn’t rushed and that everyone takes the time to get the best and most appropriate organisation as the commissioning body. This should ensure there is a fully independent process that we hope will provide the answers survivors are looking for.”