National child protection inspection programme – inspection aims

Published on: 16 April 2024

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In February 2024, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services introduced a new rolling inspection programme of child protection arrangements in every police force in England and Wales.

Our inspection findings are intended to provide information for the police, police and crime commissioners and the public on:

  • how well children are protected; and
  • to what extent their needs are met.

In each inspection, we will focus on the experiences of children who come into contact with the police when there are concerns about their safety or well-being.

In our inspection programme, we will:

  • assess and report on how efficiently and effectively police forces safeguard children who are at risk;
  • make recommendations to police forces to improve the protection of children;
  • highlight promising and innovative practice; and
  • drive sustainable improvements in forces’ child protection arrangements.

We will make graded judgments across each of the five topics set out in our assessment criteria:

  • leadership
  • partnership working
  • initial response
  • risk assessment and referral
  • investigation.

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National child protection inspection programme – methodology