Joint child protection inspection of identification of initial need and risk in Telford and Wrekin 

 I am writing to you in response to Ofsted, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the Care Quality Commission inspection report into the multi-agency response (JTAI) to identification of initial need and risk in Telford and Wrekin, published in September 2025.  

 

The inspection highlights positive partnership work and strong commitment from practitioners across agencies whilst also highlighting areas for improvement, particularly around information sharing, inclusion of relevant professionals in decision-making and consistency in recording. In relation to West Mercia Police findings the JTAI highlighted positive aspects of the force’s child protection work. However, there are also several themes that require attention, including some which echo those identified in this year’s PEEL assessment.  

 

This inspection findings directly align with the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan, particularly around Cutting Crime, Supporting Victims and Witnesses, and Maximising Resources. The challenges identified in the JTAI underscore the importance of delivering a robust, accountable, and partnership-driven approach to child protection. 

 

Through my Safer Communities Plan, I remain committed to ensuring West Mercia Police is equipped to respond effectively to emerging threats, deliver visible and community-focused policing, and uphold the highest standards of service for victims and vulnerable individuals.  

 

Strategic Oversight 

 

In response to the inspection findings, I have sought and received assurance from the Chief Constable that West Mercia Police is taking steps to strengthen its wider child protection framework.  

 

Immediately upon being notified of the inspection and the subsequent initial findings, I sought assurance from the Chief Constable through our weekly meeting of the steps being taken by the force.   

 

In addition, through my Assurance and Accountability programme, I have actively scrutinised the force’s preparedness for the upcoming force wide child protection inspection, ensuring that leadership is held to account and that safeguarding remains a top priority. This meeting focused on assessing current preparedness activities and JTAI findings, identifying strengths and good practices, and outlining key risks and planned actions ahead of the inspection. 

 

I have been briefed on the implementation of Operation Franklin, a significant change to the force’s operational model. This includes the transition to a Vulnerability Hub, which consolidates four harm assessment units into a single team, responsible for assessing referrals across the force. This transition started back in September 25 and is still underway after encountering some challenges and delays relating to management of change procedures, wider force planning and savings requirements.  

 

I have also received assurance that a West Mercia Child Protection Action Plan is being developed to consolidate multiple existing plans into a cohesive improvement framework. This plan will be structured around recommendations from the HMICFRS National Child Protection Inspection Thematic Report (2019), PEEL 2023-2025, the IOPC investigation into the death of Alfie Steele, and the JTAI findings from July 2025 to streamline the forces wider approach to child protection.  

 

Oversight of these improvements is being driven by the Child Protection Governance Board, which holds responsibility for monitoring progress and ensuring sustained delivery. 

 

The next phase of improvement, as outlined to me by Chief Officers, will focus on embedding stronger governance and accountability mechanisms across all levels of the organisation. I will maintain scrutiny of this work to ensure it remains aligned with the priorities set out in my Safer Communities Plan. 

 

Telford & Wrekin Council will lead the multi-agency response to the JTAI, with a written statement of agreed multi-agency actions scheduled for completion by 12th December 2025. 

 

Summary 
 
The inspection’s findings align with concerns recently raised through HMICFRS’s accelerated cause of concern. This highlighted significant backlogs in safeguarding referrals and systemic challenges in managing vulnerability demand. While these issues are being addressed through a structured improvement plan, the JTAI provides further valuable insight into operational areas requiring attention. 

 

I remain committed to ensuring that West Mercia Police respond constructively and transparently, and that children across our communities are protected through effective, joined-up safeguarding. 

 

I will continue to hold the force to account to ensure that the necessary improvements are delivered swiftly and effectively.