Will RMBC Assistant Director, David McWilliams, please explain how he received the original communication about the so-called “independent, expert guidance” that he emailed the co-author of Voices of Despair Voices of Hope about on 15.9.15? The question can be broken down into three parts: a When did David receive the information? b Who gave David the information? c How did David receive the information? The co-author of Voices of Despair Voices of Hope immediately thought the information was grossly dishonest … baffling and distressing …. and replied to David with the following (still awaiting a reply): ----- Original Message ----- To: McWilliams, David Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 8:44 PM Subject: Voices of Despair Voices of Hope feedback 15.9.15 Dave thanks for your email – I note yet another change to the position taken in regard to Voices of Despair Voices of Hope. It does help when there is communication and when the communication provides clarity. In my view it essential to get critical feedback about all initiatives. I am, however, curious about your selection - was there no positive feedback at all? You will probably recall how extensively we consulted about Voices of Despair Voices of Hope, even before you arrived in Rotherham, including in my first meeting with Ian and Paul Lakin on 16 December. I think I may have shared the following, but just in case I did not, please note it. Also Jo should be aware of how the RWCS used Voices of Despair Voices of Hope in their AGM and report. Sarah Champion (Labour MP Rotherham) Tuesday 20 January Hi I really admire you for doing this and I think the voices of the victims and survivors are just so powerful. … Well done for what you have achieved. Kindest regards Sarah Lord Nazir Ahmed Wednesday 21 January Dear Thank you for forwarding me the publication which you intend to publish. It is a great effort on your part to not only highlight the victims’ experiences but also provide ways of how we as a society should be listening more and act more robustly to try and repair the lives of so many innocents. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Sheila Taylor CEO NWG (National Working Group) – Wednesday 21 January Thank you very much for sharing this, at first glance it looks very powerful! We fully support the voice of victims and survivors being heard, and have included my participation officer in looking at this draft. Once we have fully read it (I hope to read it on the train down to Sussex today) well come back to you. I was extremely pleased to read that you had included Jason and David in ensuring no one is compromised by the publication. Thursday 22 January Having read this through I am impressed with documents ability to demonstrate a wide range of methods that have been used to exploit young people, both boys and girls and the understanding that whilst there may be elements of racism in individuals, it is adults abusing - the one line in a narrative that made such an impact with me was “yes they might have been Muslim and Mirpuri but when they raped me it was the man that raped me”. There are many mentions of positive engagement across the sectors and is very similar to our messaging of 'this is adults abusing children and they come from a wide range of social backgrounds’. We also hear the voice of those from a range of social backgrounds too. I would like to discuss how we can get this out to wider audiences as I believe it is very important for professionals to hear the voice of young people and parents … Friday, January 23, 2015 Hi Have just managed, with help, to read your Voices of Despair. They are truly moving and make it all real and despair making. BUT I think you and a few others are really trying to move things forward so that those in greatest need are put first. Let's pray that those with the money, authority and power can put into place the people and resources that will help the victims and their families. .................................................................................................................... See: https://www.change.org/p/sharon-kemp-chief-executive-ask-david-mcwilliams-and-ian-thomas-rmbc-officers-to-tell-the-truth/u/20644660