A conference discussing child protection issues across Forth Valley was held last Friday (31 October) in Stirling.

The conference titled Child Sexual Exploitation was organised by Clackmannanshire and Stirling Child Protection Committee and Falkirk Child Protection Committee in order to raise awareness among staff and managers.

Clackmannanshire council leader Les Sharp, who is also housing, health and care convener, said: “This is a very important area of work and bringing together expertise will ensure our children are better protected now and in the future.

"Sharing good practice is vital to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people as well as protecting them from harm.” Speakers at the one day conference included Catherine Duggan, head of child protection policy at the Scottish Government, Dr Paul Rigby, social work lecturer at the University of Stirling and detective inspector Dougie McKinlay from Police Scotland.

The conference was organised in the wake of a number of high profile investigations and convictions in England, which has raised public awareness of the issues around child exploitation.