Child sexual exploitation
Operation Makesafe
Over the past three years, businesses across Southwark have been asked to do their part to identify and stamp out child sexual exploitation as part of Operation Makesafe.
Together with the police, we'll be talking to important local businesses about their role. We'll be targeting businesses that can help keep children safe (eg pubs and clubs and off-licences). These businesses can sign a pledge and commit to looking out for signs of child sexual exploitation. Businesses will receive awareness raising materials that are free to use and display.
By encouraging local businesses to “say something if you see something”, we'll build an awareness in the community about the issues and encourage these businesses to commit to zero tolerance of child sexual exploitation.
When measures to control the coronavirus are lifted and night time economy businesses reopen, we’ll help provide information and training to local businesses. The priority will always be children’s safety, which we know is shared by local business owners and staff.
Contact information
Barnardo's are delivering ‘Night watch’; which is a free training and guidance programme for those that work across the night time economy. The training will help you recognise and know how to respond to children and young people affected by Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). It's open to all staff who work across the evening and night; this includes but is not limited to, parking wardens, park staff, cleaning staff, housing staff who licence and inspect private rented accommodation and all night time economy staff teams (including licensing, food standards team, the noise nuisance team, anti-social behaviour team, as well as community group leaders and volunteers concerned about safeguarding children.
You can email Charlotte Jamieson or phone 07732 800 589 to confirm your suitability for the training prior to booking.
Once trained, you'll become a ‘Night watch Advocate’. You'll receive an award and toolkit to teach colleagues and those around you how to become part of a Night watch community.
You can also call the police on 101 and quote “Operation Makesafe” to ensure your call is dealt with by the right people.
Page last updated: 23 January 2024
