Introduction

Merseyside Safeguarding Children Board’s have adopted the definition of sexual exploitation that is set out in Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation, Supplementary Guidance to Working Together to Safeguard Children.

https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/publicationDetail/Page1/DCSF-00689-2009

“Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive “something”  (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain.  In all cases, those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability.”

The Extent of the Problem Locally

To date no systematic data collection and analysis of the extent and nature of child sexual exploitation in Merseyside has been undertaken and this is an action to be addressed by the Pan Mersey Strategy. Nationally we know that the issue has not always been recognised and that the extent of the problem has been underestimated.

Research undertaken by Barnardos -Puppet on A String http://www.barnardos.org.uk/ctf_puppetonastring_report_final.pdf shows that nationally the reporting of abuse through child sexual exploitation is growing year on year with a 16% growth in reporting between 2008/09 and 2009/10. In 2009/10 there were 6291reported instances. As yet there is no national data on an estimated population. Barnardos also report that the age profile of victims is reducing with girls as young as 10 years and boys as young as 8 years being identified as victims and the average age being 13 years.

What we do know is that a number of children and young people have been identified through joint working between the Council and the police, who are being or have been abused through child sexual exploitation, are suspected to have been or who have been identified at risk of this form of abuse.

We also know that locally the predominant Abuse Model appears to start with the “Boyfriend Model where young girls aged between 11 and 15 years are groomed and brought into a sexual exploitation situation. For some children the abuse continues to involve a single perpetrator but for others they are then further abused through “Organised Exploitation and Trafficking”.

We know that the victims identified locally are predominantly white British girls but that there are other victims or children identified as being at risk. We must have regard for specific factors such as the age, disability, race, ethnicity or cultural background of both suspected perpetrators and victims and will take these fully into account in our investigations and work with the victims.

We are aware that there are likely to be barriers to young people coming forward and reporting this type of abuse which means that children and young people from minority ethnic groups and boys are even more likely to be significantly under reported. To date Merseyside  has not identified many boys at risk of child sexual exploitation but experience elsewhere tells us they will be out there and we need to take a proactive approach in identifying them.

Whilst most of the children identified as being abused in this way are aged between 12 and 15 years at the point at which the abuse started we were aware of concerns in relation to children as young as 10 years of age and on-going concerns about young people aged 15 years into their early 20’s.

We are also aware that some children and young people nationally are trafficked for the purpose of child sexual exploitation. This includes internal trafficking between different parts of a town or city or different parts of the UK and external trafficking where children and young people are brought into the UK from abroad.

Children and young people who are subject to child sexual exploitation need to be regarded as victims of an abusive situation and should not be treated as persons involved in prostitution or other criminal activities.

Context

In developing – and implementing – this communications strategy in Merseyside, it is important to acknowledge the context in which those organisations subscribing to this strategy are operating.

 Nationally, the police enquiry into the late Jimmy Savile and the media coverage about that case, proved to be a catalyst for extensive media coverage and heightened public awareness of CSE that continues seemingly unabated today.

Further Metropolitan Police enquiries into other celebrity suspects and the on-going enquiry into the North Wales Children’s Homes have maintained the media focus on the issue.

Several high profile cases of group CSE have increased the level of national interest (public and media) in CSE – with cases in Rochdale, Oxford and Rotherham. In Rochdale and Rotherham there has been widespread criticism of the police and social services for their alleged failure to intervene early enough due to a perception that victims were engaging in sexual relationships consensually.

It is therefore necessary to develop an effective, co-ordinated communications strategy on behalf of all interested partners throughout Merseyside , to address negative perceptions of our collective performance on CSE issues, to demonstrate the very active and positive steps being taken to prevent such crimes and to investigate the perpetrators, to encourage public confidence in our service delivery and to encourage the reporting of such offences. If successful, such a communications strategy will help to restore public confidence,  engender more accurate and balanced reporting, and, ultimately, help keep children safe from those who would seek to exploit them for sexual purposes.

The threat

There are a number of threats to those partner organisations seeking to prevent CSE in Merseyside and investigating and prosecuting those who commit such crimes. They include, but are not limited to:

• Media coverage disproportionately focusing on certain types of CSE (group and celebrity) causing the public to recognise only those well-publicised models of CSE and subsequently missing other types of victim and offender (e.g. familial – see the recent interim report on the Office of Children's Commissioner’s (OCC) inquiry into group and gang associated CSE)
• The unwillingness of the public / victims to report CSE offences, suspicions or intelligence through a belief that the partner agencies will fail to take appropriate action
• The potential that local and national reviews and inspections (Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabularies, Barnardo’s, etc.) highlight weaknesses in the way agencies currently deal with CSE.

Background and basis for this strategy

In developing this communications strategy, account has been taken of the current national and local context, of recent media coverage of CSE issues and cases locally and nationally. It also takes account of the recently-developed National Child Sexual Exploitation Communications Strategy developed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (2013) and communications strategies relating to CSE cases elsewhere in the country.

Communications Partners

It is recommended that this communications strategy is adopted by partner organisations and specific statutory boards operating in Liverpool and engaged in the prevention and detection of child sexual exploitation, namely:

Statutory

• Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Merseyside
• Merseyside Police
• Liverpool City Council
• Knowsley Council
• St Helens Council
• Wirral Borough Council
• Sefton Council
• Merseyside Education Providers
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Merseyside Probation Trust
• NHS England

Voluntary & Charitable

• Barnardo’s
• Crimestoppers
• National Working Group
• Victim Support
• Children’s Society
• NSPCC
• RASA
• Action for Children
• Catch 22

Boards

• Local Safeguarding Children’s Board in Merseyside
• Health and Wellbeing Board
• Children’s Trust Board

Tenets of communications approach

The organisations subscribing to this communications strategy will adhere to the following tenets of approach in all their individual and joint communications activity:

• We will challenge inaccurate and / or misleading public comment and media articles / broadcasts
• We WILL NOT be defensive.
• We WILL BE proactive, positive, transparent and, where necessary, robust.

Tone and content

In both tone and content, we will:

• Emphasise the positive work being done by all partner agencies in tackling CSE but also make it clear there is more to do and that plans are in place / being developed to further improve service.
• Stress our awareness that CSE is a key priority for us collectively and individually
• Always acknowledge and spell out the wider definition of CSE, even when just discussing one aspect of the crime
• Be judicious in our use of language. A child abused by an adult in a position of power is not able to “consent”.  The use of the term “historic” can also be dangerous – the word has the ability to undermine the victim’s experience as, for them, the abuse is not historic, they are still living with it. “Non- recent” may be somewhat jargonistic and forced, but it is perhaps a more neutral phrase to use.

Aims

The aims of this communications strategy are to:

• Raise the awareness and understanding of the staff of all partner agencies of the definition of CSE and the work being undertaken to combat and prevent such crime
• Raise the awareness and understanding of parents / carers and young people in relation to CSE via schools
• Raise the awareness of the public in Merseyside and key stakeholders of CSE and the warning signs in order to increase reporting
• Raise the awareness and active support of the public and key stakeholders in the work being done by the partner agencies to protect children and to combat child sexual exploitation
• Aid accurate, informed and balanced reporting of CSE issues
• To engender accurate, informed and balanced media coverage for the actions being taken by the partner agencies in combating and preventing CSE

Target audiences

The following, segmented, audiences will be specifically targeted by the tactical communications activity to be developed as a result of this strategy:

“Internal”

• Staff of all partner agencies
• Local Government Association
• Local Education Authority
• APCC (Association of Police and Crime Commissioners)
• Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP)
• Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary

External

• General public of Merseyside
• Children (under 18) in Merseyside
• Parents, guardians and carers
• Hoteliers, B&B owners, landlords, estate agents, publicans
• Travel providers to include taxis and public transport
• Local media
• Regional media
• National media

Agencies and practitioners

AIMS

• Raise the awareness of partner organisation staff to CSE, its definition and the signs it may be taking place
• Raise CSE training levels on Single Agency and Multi Agency basis to ensure key messages are understood by staff at all levels within agencies
• Raise awareness and understanding of Pan Mersey CSE Strategy and Protocol
• Encourage on-going information sharing
• Encourage reporting of concerns, intelligence and crimes

AIMED AT

• Strategic Leads from all partners
• Front line Practitioners from all partners
• Foster Carers

HOW

• Standing agenda item on team meetings
• Dissemination of CSE trigger cards
• CSE Single and Multi Agency Training
• On-line e learning tool (NWG)
• CSE feature on LSCB websites
• Attendance at Foster Carer events
• Liaison with Non Local Authority Foster Care Commissioners

Parents and carers / Young people

AIMS

• Raise the awareness of parents and carers to CSE, its definition and the signs it may be taking place
• Encourage reporting of concerns, intelligence and crimes

AIMED AT

• Parents / Carers
• Young People

HOW

Education providers should develop a tool kit for use across the age groups to raise awareness of the signs of CSE with children and young people. This toolkit should be endorsed by Mersey LSCBs.

Mersey LSCBs to agree a standard leaflet aimed at raising awareness of CSE with parents and carers which will be sent via individual schools.  Schools to look at the possibility of providing awareness raising sessions for parents and carers.

Public

AIMS

• Raise the public’s awareness in Merseyside to CSE, to its various forms and to the tell-tale signs to look out for
• Raise the awareness of specific targeted groups to CSE and the tell-tale signs – including hoteliers, B&B owners, leisure centre staff, etc.
• Raise the awareness of potential victims to CSE and how to avoid becoming a victim
• Encourage reporting of concerns, intelligence and crimes

AIMED AT

• Community Services to include:

Licensed Security Staff

Nightclubs and Bars

Under 18 Events / Public Events

Takeaways and Restaurants

Off Licenses

Hotels / Guest Houses / Bed and Breakfast

Cinemas  and other Entertainment Venues

Taxis

Travel networks (train and bus)

Shopping Centres

Sport and Leisure Facilities

HOW

Using the National Working Groups publicity materials, a campaign will be developed and implemented in the Spring of 2014.  Subject to its success, consideration will be given to refreshing and re-launching the campaign each year thereafter.

The charity the National Working Group has developed a national toolkit of visual imagery and messaging which has been endorsed by the Minister for Policing Damien Green MP. To ensure a consistent approach to the key campaign messages, this toolkit will form the core of the public campaign in Merseyside.

As members of the NWG, LSCBs  can access its toolkit of artwork-ready campaign material for free but there will be costs incurred in printing the material in different formats (leaflets, posters,billboards etc).  Additionally, there will be costs associated with the distribution of campaign material and its use on travel networks, in public places etc.

The active support of all partners subscribing to this communications strategy will be required to ensure widespread dissemination of campaign materials and information literature.

Key messages

The following list comprises some generic messages all partners should seek opportunities to promulgate both internally within their own organisations and externally.

Definition / generic / context-setting

• CSE is a national problem, not confined to Merseyside
• Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive “something”  (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post sexual images on the Internet/mobile phones without immediate payment or gain.  In all cases, those exploiting the child/young person have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, involvement in exploitative relationships being characterised in the main by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice resulting from their social/economic and/or emotional vulnerability

• Violence, coercion and intimidation are common.  Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability

• A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation. This means that they are unlikely to report the abuse so we must all be alert to the signs of CSE and report concerns to the authorities

• CSE can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/ mobile phones without immediate payment or gain

• Following high profile CSE cases in recent years, we have all learnt much more about child abuse and child sexual exploitation. As a society, we have a greater understanding of CSE and a growing intolerance of it 

• There is not one type of victim or offender of CSE. CSE can take many forms in many settings. If we look at just one model, such as group or gang CSE, we risk missing other victims who do not fall into that category. There is also a risk that victims don’t recognise their abuse as CSE because it doesn’t fit a particular model

• CSE is not an indictable offence but police and prosecutors can charge offenders with rape and other sexual offences as well as abduction, kidnapping and trafficking

Communications protocol among partners

Whilst each partner agency subscribing to this strategy will have its own, different roles and responsibilities regarding CSE and has a different part to play in the achievement of the strategic aim set out in this document, all share a common aspiration to keep children safe from exploitation for sexual purposes.

To ensure a consistent and co-ordinated approach towards communications activity, to preclude against any one partner being taken by surprise by the public announcement of another, and to ensure the public demonstration of a united, countywide and partnership approach to tackling CSE, it is recommended that a communications protocol is developed among all partners subscribing to this strategy.

The Merseyside CSE Communications Protocol should set out, among other things, a commitment among all partners to:

• Share with all partners (as defined by this strategy) any publicity materials to be used
• Share with all partners (as defined by this strategy) any public statements about CSE in advance of making those statements
• Liaise with all partners (as defined by this strategy) about joint statements or those statements that directly impact on other partners
• Inform all partners in advance of giving media interviews about issues relating to CSE
• Recognise the challenges faced by partner agencies and not directly criticise them.

A draft protocol is set out at Appendix C which it is proposed all partner agencies consider, provide suggested amendments to, in order to produce a final draft for adoption by all partner agencies.

Governance

There are a number of different multi-agency groups and boards operating in Merseyside  which consider CSE issues at either a tactical or strategic level.

Created by the 2004 Children Act, there is a Local Safeguarding Children’s Board in each of the five local authority areas – Liverpool, St Helen’s, Sefton, Wirral and Knowsley. These meet on a quarterly basis and aim to co-ordinate what is done by each person or body represented on the Board to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and to ensure the effectiveness of that work.
 

In addition, each LSCB holds two meetings in relation to CSE. The CSE Sub Group operates at a strategic level, is chaired by Merseyside Police and meets quarterly, in addition each LSCB holds a CSE practitioners group which operates at case level and is chaired by Merseyside Police representatives, this meeting is also held on a quarterly basis.

The groups does not supplant, replace or override existing safeguarding procedures or governance structures, but exist to facilitate awareness and information-sharing about CSE issues. Actions are generated in response to the sharing of information and best practice processes of the partners.

Each statutory partner organisation also has its own “in-house” tactical and strategic meetings / groups which largely focus on their own operational responsibilities but to which partners are sometimes invited / co-opted.

It is recommended that the following governance arrangements are established for the further development, adoption, implementation and governance of this communications strategy:

Development

This first draft of the strategy will be circulated to Multi Agency Partners across Merseyside via LSCBs.

Approval

The responsibility for agreeing to adopt this strategy will rest with the Pan Merseyside LSCB Chairs.

Implementation

Responsibility for implementing this communications strategy will rest on a day-to-day basis with the individual agencies in partnership with the local LSCB.  

Monitoring

Monitoring the implementation of the strategy will be undertaken by the individual partner agencies who should inform the LSCB of progress.

Governance

Ultimate responsibility for the governance of the strategy will rest with the CSE lead of the partner organisations.

Finance

Several of the partner agencies have recently produced, or are currently producing, single-agency or multi-agency campaign material to highlight CSE, the various warning signs that it may be taking place and advice about how to prevent the crime happening. 

This strategy commends a Merseyside -wide multi-agency approach be taken to the production of material already prepared by and available from the National Working Group, with the addition of supplementary material aimed specifically at potential victims and their parents, guardians and / or carers.

Once this strategy is agreed, a public awareness raising campaign plan with costs, will be prepared  for consideration by the Pan Mersey LSCB Chairs by the CSE Co-ordinator.

Evaluation

The success of this strategy will be evaluated using the following mechanisms:

• The conclusions and recommendations of Ofsted Inspections
• The conclusions and findings of HMIC reports
• The tone and prominence of media coverage both locally and nationally
• Changes in the level of reporting CSE
• Fluctuations in the number of successful prosecutions
• Comment by stakeholders and the public

Appendix 1: warning signs and vulnerabilities checklist

The below warning signs were identified by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s Inquiry into Group and Gang Associated Child Sexual Exploitation.  While they refer to group and gang CSE specifically, the warning signs and vulnerabilities also apply to other forms of CSE.

The following are typical vulnerabilities in children prior to abuse:

• Living in a chaotic or dysfunctional household (including parental substance use, domestic violence, parental mental health issues, parental criminality)
• History of abuse (including familial child sexual abuse, risk of forced marriage, risk of ‘honour’-based violence, physical and emotional abuse and neglect)
• Recent bereavement or loss
• Gang association either through relatives, peers or intimate relationships (in cases of gang-associated CSE only)
• Attending school with young people who are sexually exploited
• Learning disabilities
• Unsure about their sexual orientation or unable to disclose sexual orientation to their families
• Friends with young people who are sexually exploited
• Homeless
• Lacking friends from the same age group
• Living in a gang neighbourhood
• Living in residential care
• Living in hostel, bed and breakfast accommodation or a foyer
• Low self-esteem or self-confidence
• Young carer

The following signs and behaviour are generally seen in children who are already being sexually exploited:

• Missing from home or care
• Physical injuries
• Drug or alcohol misuse
• Involvement in offending
• Repeat sexually-transmitted infections, pregnancy and terminations
• Absence from school
• Evidence of sexual bullying and/or vulnerability through the internet and/or social networking sites
• Estrangement from their family
• Receipt of gifts from unknown sources
• Recruiting others into exploitative situations
• Poor mental health
• Self-harm
• Thoughts of or attempts at suicide

Evidence shows that any child displaying several vulnerabilities from the above lists should be considered to be at high risk of sexual exploitation. Professionals should immediately start an investigation to determine the risk, along with preventative and protective action as required.

However, it is important to note that children without pre-existing vulnerabilities can still be sexually exploited. Therefore, any child showing risk indicators in the second list, but none of the vulnerabilities in the first, should also be considered as a potential victim, with appropriate assessment and action put in place as required.

SOURCE – OFFICE OF THE CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONERS INTERIM REPORT – INQUIRY INTO CSE IN GANGS AND GROUPS ‘I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE’ 21 NOVEMBER 2012.

http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/info/csegg1

Appendix b – questions and answers

What is CSE?

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child abuse where the victim is given something- food, money, drugs, alcohol, gifts- in exchange for sexual activity with the abuser.  Offenders target vulnerable young people and use their power- physical, financial, emotional etc- over the child to sexually abuse them.

Violence, coercion and intimidation are common.  Involvement in exploitative relationships is characterised by the child or young person’s limited availability of choice as a result of their social, economic or emotional vulnerability.

A common feature of CSE is that the child or young person does not recognise the coercive nature of the relationship and does not see themselves as a victim of exploitation.  This means that they are unlikely to report the abuse so police and partners must be alert to the signs of CSE and actively look for victims.

CSE can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example being persuaded to post images on the internet/ mobile phones without immediate payment or gain.

Questions about the ethnicity of offenders suggesting that the majority of offenders are of Asian background.

Recent cases, where organised groups of men of predominately South Asian origin have sexually exploited vulnerable white girls, have demonstrated one model of group child exploitation. 

This is certainly not the only form of CSE taking place. There is not one type of victim or offender of CSE. CSE can take many forms in many settings. If we look at just one model, such as group or gang CSE, we risk missing other victims who do not fall into that category. There is also a risk that victims don’t recognise their abuse as CSE because it doesn’t fit a particular model.

The majority of offenders of CSE are white British males.

Why have we seen a disproportionate number of Asian men involved in these cases?

There may be many reasons for this. Offenders of CSE reflect the demographic of the communities in which they live and we have seen this in recent cases of group CSE. The model of organised groups of Asian origin exploiting young white girls has received extensive media coverage in recent years and, subsequently, is high in the public consciousness. This may mean that police, those working with children and the public have become better at identifying this form of abuse. 

The most important thing for us to all to do is to know the signs of CSE and keep our eyes open for them in all communities and environments.

Aren’t you ignoring this problem because of political correctness?

Not at all. Recent prosecutions show that police are investigating this group of offenders and bringing them to justice. We know that CSE is not isolated to one specific group of offenders. Our investigations and other research show that CSE spans all cultures and ethnicities.  If we were to focus solely on this one offender group, we would be ignoring and failing other victims.

What kinds of children are falling victim to these crimes?  Recent cases seem to have involved girls from deprived areas and broken homes. 

The Office of Children’s Commissioner’s inquiry into group and gang CSE identified some typical vulnerabilities of children who are victims of CSE such as living in a chaotic or dysfunctional home, residential care or a gang neighbourhood.  Partner organisations are working together to identify young people with these vulnerabilities so that they can protect them.

However, it is a mistake to think that these are the only young people at risk. Victim experience of CSE is diverse with young people from all backgrounds and all parts of the country. It should be assumed that CSE is occurring in all areas and communities, and we are proactively looking for it.

Is greater use of technology, internet and social media having an effect?

CSE offenders are using new technology and social media as a tool to groom children and young people. CSE can actually take place through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition; for example, being persuaded to post images on the internet or mobile phones without immediate payment or gain.

The police service is also using new technology and social media to identify victims of CSE and gather intelligence and evidence about offenders.

Appendix 3: draft communications protocol among partners

This protocol has been agreed by the following organisations:

• Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Merseyside
• Merseyside Police
• Liverpool City Council
• Knowsley Council
• St Helens Council
• Wirral Borough Council
• Sefton Council
• Merseyside Education Providers
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Merseyside Probation Trust
• NHS England

• Barnardo’s
• Crimestoppers
• National Working Group
• Victim Support
• Children’s Society
• NSPCC
• RASA
• Action for Children
• Catch 22

1. Purpose

The purpose of this protocol is to:

• Establish a closer working relationship between all the partners in relation to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Ensure that information that has or could have a significant impact on the image and reputation of the partners and their performance in tackling CSE is shared
• Help promote publicly a multi-agency, unified and consistent approach towards communications initiatives aimed at reducing CSE

2. Scope

This protocol is intended to cover proactive and reactive communications activity by the partner agencies in relation to CSE, either thematically or case specifically.

3. Aims

The protocol aims to:

• Increase joint communications activity among all partner organisations
• Promote a shared vision in relation to tackling CSE and providing community reassurance messages
• Avoid the risk of tension between partner organisations or criticism of one organisation by another
• Promote public and stakeholder confidence in multi-agency work to tackle CSE

4. Principles

It is important to recognise that:

• The partner organisations have their own functions, services and priorities and will reasonably seek to establish a distinct public profile via their communications activity
• The public, and the media, have a right to information about what each organisation does, a right enshrined by the Freedom of Information Act
• That working together – and being seen to work together – can enhance not only the quality, consistency and reliability of information released to the public but also the individual reputation of each organisation and South Yorkshire as a whole

5. Delivery of the protocol

This protocol defines communications as:

• Publicity materials
• Press releases and written statements given to the print and broadcast media and published on partner organisation websites / social media platforms
• Briefings, interviews, verbal statements and press conferences
• Internal communications products disseminated within each partner organisation

6. Operation of the protocol

• Communications professionals in each organisation shall undertake to inform each other at the earliest opportunity of likely or actual relevant communications activity, as defined in this protocol
• Communications professionals in each organisation shall manage communications activity in the most appropriate way, being mindful of issues of confidentiality. This could take one of many forms, from deciding on a joint statement, briefing or press conference to an agreement that one organisation is the lead communications partner
• Communications professionals in each organisation will meet regularly to plan for future events and discuss opportunities and challenges to ensure early consideration of the issues
• Senior managers in each organisation shall monitor and review the effectiveness of the protocol

7. Review

The protocol should be reviewed six months after its implementation date.