Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for People.

The report provides information in respect to the issue of Female Genital Mutilation.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Jane Connolly on Tel:474 5656 or email: Jane.connolly@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Service Director (Children’s Safeguarding and Prevention) (copies of which had been circulated) providing information in respect to Female Genital Mutilation was recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Committee noted that it was illegal to arrange or perform female genital mutilation in the United Kingdom or to arrange for it abroad and that it carried a potential penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

·         Awareness-raising has been a priority for sessions with school governors and at other key groups such as the Pupils at Risk of Exclusion (PARE) forum.

·         In the coming academic year 15-16, FGM has been identified as a theme within basic child protection awareness and the half-day awareness-raising sessions would continue be part of the universal SSCB training offer.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.