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See other news storiesLatest Bichard Inquiry progress report
25 May 2006
This third report outlines progress in implementing the recommendations of the Bichard Inquiry.
Read the third Bichard Inquiry progress report (new window) on the Home Office Police website.
The Bichard Inquiry was set up following the murders of Soham schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells.
The progress report found that 21 of Sir Michael Bichard's 31 recommendations have been substantially delivered and work has started on the remaining. Some of the work undertaken includes:
- the introduction of the IMPACT Nominal Index in December to improve the sharing of information across police forces
- the recent publication of 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' that provides new guidance on when Social Services and other agencies should tell the police about suspected offences against children
- the introduction of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill in February, which is an important step towards developing a central vetting and barring scheme covering all those who apply to work with children or vulnerable adults
Home Secretary John Reid said:
'We are making good progress implementing the recommendations, with the majority achieved and others nearing completion.
'Safeguarding our children and vulnerable adults is an absolute priority and partnership between the Government, police, education and other public services is vital so that together we can minimise the risk of harm to those most at risk.'
