This event will now be held virtually on Tuesday 20th - Thursday 22nd April 2021. 

The NWG Annual Enhanced Programme of Learning and Development is an opportunity for professional and personal development, exploring cutting edge techniques and new learning to prevent and safeguard children, young people and young adults at risk or engaged in exploitation, including sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery.

Our 2021 event will cover the following themes:

Families & Communities
Families and communities are a vital piece of the jigsaw of effective safeguarding. Historically families felt excluded from processes intended to protect their children and, in some cases, blamed in part for their exploitation. These workshops provide an opportunity to consider better approaches to working in partnership with families and communities, empowering them to safeguard their children. 

Prevention & Disruption
Approaches to tackling child exploitation have seen an increased awareness of the value of preventative and disruptive tactics aimed at addressing issues before a child becomes a victim of abuse. Nationally recognised as a critical part of the response to child exploitation by The Home Office, prevention and disruption tactics draw on a range of multi-agency interventions. These workshops provide the opportunity to discuss issues, share best practice & develop new approaches.

Sport & leisure activities provide a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children & young people. These activities should be accessible, safe from the risk of abuse and exploitation. The high-profile abuse cases involving football clubs and the increased referrals to Operation Hydrant in 2017 demonstrated the need for increased safeguarding awareness in sport, particularly at grassroots level. These workshops will showcase how safeguarding partners and national governing bodies can support those offering access to sport and leisure for thousands of children and young people.

Education & Adolescence
Children and young people affected by exploitation report a ‘cliff-edge’ of support when they reach adulthood, despite ongoing support needs as a result of their adverse childhood experiences. A ‘hidden transition’ also takes place as children turn 16, with legislation and attitudes often contributing to less support being offered to older children. These workshops draw on emerging practice in response to a national challenge for professionals.