Rotherham Truth Campaign (RTC) – Ian Thomas 19.6.17 “the meaningful consultation you suggest to ensure victims/ survivors receive timely and confidential support in future” - Ian Thomas about the Freephone Helpline It is important on behalf of the RTC to begin to give background about Ian Thomas, RMBC Strategic Director of Children & Young People’s Services. He has consistently refused to answer questions (more about this in due course). Some victims and survivors have, rather disrespectfully (but understandably) referred to Ian Thomas as “Mr Teflon". Victims, survivors, their family members and others adversely and directly affected by Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham believe that Ian Thomas is aware of and may even be behind the many lies that have been told since his appointment to Rotherham in October/November 2014. Voices of Despair Voices of Hope is a 40 page publication of the Voices of victims, survivors, their family members and others adversely and directly affected by Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham. The inside back cover explains that the co-authors, Chrissy Meleady and Liam Harron met in All Saints Square in Rotherham just before the Unity Vigil on Saturday 8 November 2014. Chrissy and Liam had both promoted the Unity Vigil through their contacts. Possibly for the first time, some survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and family members felt confident enough to attend a public event like this in Rotherham. Chrissy and Liam met for a second time at the BBC Radio Sheffield Debate on Sunday 23 November, almost exactly three months after the publication of the Jay Report. On 23 November it was very clear that victims, survivors and families felt that very little had been put in place to engage with those directly affected by CSE. Chrissy and Liam made a commitment to ensure that Voices of those directly affected by CSE would be heard and would hopefully inform the establishment of systems and procedures that would gain the support of those directly affected by CSE. On 2 December 2014, Liam sent an email to about a proposed letter to the Rotherham Advertiser to: Sarah Champion MP for Rotherham – elected in November after Denis MacShane stepped down (he served a prison sentence); Paul Lakin (chosen as Leader of Rotherham Council after the Jay report in August 2014); Jason Harwin Chief Superintendent Rotherham District Commander. Jason Harwin and Paul Lakin replied to Liam’s email within a few hour. Paul wrote: “I am out of the borough until tomorrow so have sent your letter to Ian Thomas who may wish to comment.” and “IAN - Will you please respond from a professional point of view on behalf of the authority” Ian Thomas replied a few hours later with this: Dear Liam Thanks for you correspondence. One of our key priorities is ensuring victims of all ages have access to high quality support. We are clear that the council will have to work with the wider community in achieving this and we are committed to working in partnership with our statutory partners, voluntary sector (including volunteers) and faith groups. The council will soon be making public a freephone number and confidential email address administered by the NSPCC as a trusted brand, where victims can access support in a confidential space. I hope this is helpful Regards Ian Liam Harron telephoned Ian Thomas and then emailed him. Here is part of what Liam wrote: From: Liam Sent: 02 December 2014 14:36 To: Parfrement, Jane; Sarah Champion; JASON HARWIN; Lakin, Paul; Thomas, Ian Subject: CONFIDENTIAL- Help Line Consultation, … Lord Nasir Ahmed Ian I am very grateful that you came out of your meeting to talk to me just now. I flagged up a personal concern that if the victims, survivors and the families of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and independent service providers are not consulted about the help line, even though it may be the “right” initiative, they will feel that their voiced request to be involved in decision-making has been ignored yet again.. I thought this personally and it has also been voiced independently. … one of our co-workers has spoken to Lord Nasir [sic*] Ahmed today, whilst he was travelling back from Pakistan and he is expressed his full support for our proposals and wants to be involved. Thanks once again Liam Harron *Lord Nazir, is the correct spelling Ian replied: ----- Original Message ----- From: Thomas, Ian To: Liam ; Parfrement, Jane ; Sarah Champion ; JASON HARWIN ; Lakin, Paul Cc: McWilliams, David Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 3:30 PM Subject: RE: CONFIDENTIAL- Help Line Consultation, … Lord Nasir Ahmed Thanks Liam I understand Chrissy has now written to you. I did explain that the council’s action in commissioning the NSPCC to advise and coordinate support for victims/ survivors is a short-term provision. The period between now and next April will allow us time for the meaningful consultation you suggest to ensure victims/ survivors receive timely and confidential support in future. Look forward to discussing further with you and other community stakeholders. Regards Ian The Freephone Helpline was introduced without consultation. The failure to take a unique opportunity in November/December 2014 to consult victims, survivors, their family members and others adversely and directly affected by CSE in Rotherham proved to be a huge error of judgement. The fact that there has never been: “the meaningful consultation you suggest to ensure victims/ survivors receive timely and confidential support in future” remains a very open wound for many.