Kings Secure Technologies (KST), the Bradford-based security services company, has joined forces with the children’s charity Barnardo’s to help disrupt child exploitation in the Bradford night time economy.
Child exploitation (CE) is defined as where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual or criminal activity. Offenders target children and use emotional, financial or physical power over the child to abuse them.
Given its security officers across the UK, KST recognised it could help to prevent CE in Bradford, so it has linked with Barnardo’s to work with their Trusted Relationships Group Work (TRGW) initiative. TRGW will be working with KST officers, initially in West Yorkshire, teaching them how to look out for the signs of CE, to speak out and adopt a zero tolerance approach.
KST’s Security Personnel division provides manned guarding. As the firm says, security officers are often the eyes and ears on the ground, with an increased presence during the night time, so developing the KST team to be aware of CE is key to safeguarding efforts.
Marianne Wadsworth, who leads on the Trusted Relationships Group Work programme for Barnardo’s, says: “Exploitation is happening and it is an issue that we can all help to tackle, just by opening our eyes and allowing ourselves to really see what is happening before us and speaking up. Victims of exploitation often do not recognise they are being exploited so we should all know the signs to look out for and feel confident to report concerns.”
Bob Forsyth, KST’s Chief Executive Officer, pictured, adds: “Our partnership with Barnardo’s is an exciting development and demonstrates how, as a business working within the night time economy, we can play an active part in safeguarding children and young people. The training provided by TRGW will give advice, support and guidance on how to spot signs of Child Sexual exploitation, Child Criminal Exploitation, County Lines, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.”
