SURREY Police are making progress on the child protection front, but it still has more to do.

Official watchdog, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, found some serious failings in Surrey Police’s response to child protection issues in 2015 and made a series of recommendations for improvements.

Inspectors returned in 2016 to re-inspect the force and their findings were published last week.

HMIC reported that inspectors were encouraged to find that the force was very committed to improving child protection services, supported by training and good sharing of information with partner agencies, such as health and education services.

Inspectors recognised the force had made progress, but they found this has not yet resulted in “consistent action and improved practice for children”.

Inspector Zoë Billingham said: “In December 2015 we reported that Surrey Police had substantial improvements to make in how it protects children. After our follow-up inspection, I am very pleased that Surrey Police demonstrates a strong commitment to improving services for children in need of protection.

“It is clear to me that officers and staff across the force have made a concerted effort to recognise and act on the recommendations we previously identified. This commitment is to be commended.

“The force recognises it now needs to focus on translating this commitment into further improved services for children.”

Responding, Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “Protecting children from harm is one of the most important roles the police service undertakes.

“One child at risk in Surrey is one too many and I know that since the initial HMIC inspection in June 2015, this has been an absolute priority for Surrey Police.

“The road to recovery was always likely to be a long one so while I am pleased that today’s report highlights the progress that the force are making, it is clear that there is much more still to do.

“A solid action plan is being implemented and better leadership, resourcing and training has ensured that those key areas where failings were highlighted by the HMIC are being addressed.

“But there is no room for complacency and more work is required to embed child protection into all areas of the force.

“This re-inspection was a point in time last summer and I hope that further improvements made since then will be reflected when the HMIC’s report into effectiveness is published in March.

“I made a commitment in my Police and Crime Plan to ensure that victims of child abuse receive proper support and care. I will do whatever I can to support the force in achieving this while at the same time providing the level of scrutiny required to make sure we stay on the right track.”

Surrey’s Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Burton said: “We are pleased that the report acknowledges the progress and hard work that we have undertaken to improve our efforts to protect vulnerable children.

“While the report does highlight some positives, there is still work to be done to build on this and progress to make that ensures we are consistently protecting those most at risk.

“I am pleased the report recognised our continued commitment and progress in respect of the recommendations originally made by HMIC in 2015. Our vision is to make Surrey the safest county it can be and a vital part of this is making sure all children at risk are protected.

“The report highlights that we need to build on the widespread training and investment to ensure this translates in to consistently good practice on the ground. This continues to be a priority for us and we are confident that in the six months following the inspection, we have made considerable progress.”