A SERIES of events will be held through the week to help train people who work with children and vulnerable adults how to deal with some of the most pressing safeguarding issues facing Bradford.

The Bradford Safeguarding Children Board has organised the events, which will look at issues including Female Genital Mutilation, human trafficking and keeping children safe from predators who use social media.

The events, under the title ‘It’s Everybody’s Business’, are open to frontline professionals who deal with children on a regular basis. Yesterday the week began with discussions on eating disorders, and when they become a safeguarding concern, and safeguarding issues surrounding vulnerable adults.

Today, there will be sessions on safeguarding people with autism, the effect suicide of a family member can have on children and safeguarding in schools.

Other events through the week include a look at the reasons behind child deaths in Bradford, and a look at how the safeguarding hub - made up of representatives from children’s services, police and children’s charities - deals with cases involving vulnerable children.

David Niven, independent chair of Bradford Safeguarding Children Board, will give a talk on ‘Social Media; Child safety and professional responsibilities.’

Meanwhile, Facebook Live broadcasts, held by police, will explore various topics.

The week coincides with a discussion by Bradford Council’s Children’s Scrutiny Committee on the latest report about Child Sexual Exploitation in the district.

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus reported there had been a 61 per cent rise in suspected child sexual grooming cases reported to the Bradford’s Safeguarding Hub in a year.

A new report also revealed that in 2016-17 there were 367 CSE crimes recorded by police, up 34 per cent on the previous 12 months.

Superintendent Darren Minton, of West Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Governance Unit, told the T&A: “Safeguarding children is a top priority for West Yorkshire Police and the rise in referrals to the Bradford District hub and the increase in crimes recorded shows that the signs of child sexual exploitation are being recognised.”

In response to the rise, Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Child sexual exploitation is an absolutely horrendous crime and one we are doing everything in our power to tackle. The report highlights an increase in both referrals to the CSE Hub and the crimes recorded which we believe reflects the increased awareness and impact of work to tackle these awful issues.

“I have previously made an additional £3.5m available to increase our response to safeguarding issues such as child sexual exploitation. Including the creation of a dedicated team of detectives in West Yorkshire Police to investigate these crimes, employed a Safeguarding Adviser to ensure a joined up partnership approach across West Yorkshire, and continue to support joint awareness campaigns to highlight the signs of CSE and how to get help.

“It is our ultimate goal to keep everyone safe in West Yorkshire.”