National Data Analysis, Engagement & Learning Event
National Working Group (NWG Network), Department of Education (DfE) and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
Date: 25 June 2026
Time: 10.30am to 1pm
Cost: FREE to attend
Venue: On-line
An insightful engagement session to share key learning from recent national research and publications on child sexual abuse and exploitation.
What to expect
- Latest national insights into child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE)
- Updates on DfE guidance and policy direction, including extra-familial harm
- Findings from new Government-commissioned research
- Practical learning to support improved identification, recording, and response
Guest speakers
Department for Education (DfE)
- Lucy Heyes – Assistant Director, Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Gabrielle Bush – Team Leader, CIN & CLA Analysis
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
- Professor Michelle McManus – Professor of Safeguarding & Violence Prevention
and Co-Director, Institute for Children’s Futures
Why attend?
Recent national studies highlight that children affected by exploitation are often known to services, but their experiences are not always consistently captured in data. This session will explore:
- How safeguarding systems are evolving
- Key challenges in data visibility and recording
- Opportunities to strengthen local practice and multi-agency responses
Recommended pre-reading
- Children in need: A focus on sexual abuse and exploitation – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK
- New research gives fresh insight into how safeguarding systems can better respond to child exploitation and abuse | Manchester Metropolitan University