AN independent review to provide assurance that GMP has the best systems in place to protect children from sexual exploitation will begin this week.

Mayor of Greater Manchester and former Leigh MP Andy Burnham has commissioned it in his role as Police and Crime Commissioner, in response to public concern about issues raised in recent broadcasts.

It will be led by nationally recognised independent experts who will report back to the Mayor in spring 2018, the findings of the report will then be published.

The review will:

Provide a detailed timeline of events, actions and decisions taken in previous reviews and reports including a review of the decision to close down Operation Augusta, a police investigation into CSE in 2005.

Analyse statements made in recent broadcasts about CSE in Greater Manchester and examine the recommendations completed following the 2012 convictions to highlight any gaps and risks which may remain.

This will include an assessment of whether CSE is being adequately addressed in Greater Manchester.

Assess the effectiveness of policies and processes now in place, under the Project Phoenix partnership arrangements in Greater Manchester set up in 2013,

Provide recommendations, including any changes that would prevent victimisation and enhance services provided to victims

The mayor said: "Sexual exploitation and abuse of children is abhorrent. I want a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of exploitation and abuse, where we constantly challenge ourselves to improve how we identify those at risk, give them a voice, investigate all reports and prosecute those responsible.

“I know that there have already been reviews and investigations in the past and significant work has been done by partners here in the last few years to make our response to CSE more coordinated, consistent and safe.

“But there has been renewed public concern following the content of recent broadcasts. I want to be absolutely certain that everything possible has been done to protect children, and create the right culture to prevent any repeat.

“I then want to be able to give that reassurance to the people of Greater Manchester.”

The independent assurance team will report directly to Baroness Beverley Hughes, deputy mayor for Policing and Crime.

She said: “This review is important as it is being carried out on behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, who rightly expect our children to be properly protected from harm and abuse.

“We want to ensure not only that current practice is the best it can be but also that we can respond effectively to any emerging new risks in the future.”