Social workers from across the East Midlands gathered at Oakham's Rutland County Museum for a regional conference aimed at sharing knowledge and skills to help protect children and families.

The conference was organised by the East Midlands Regional Principal Social Worker network and brought together more than 75 child and family social workers to promote excellence and best practice.

Attendees at the event heard from a number of expert speakers on important issues like contextual safeguarding, child sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and trafficking.

Although, statistically, sexual abuse is most likely to occur in the family home, young people are also vulnerable to sexual abuse, exploitation and criminal exploitation while in the community.

Children's social care practitioners are increasingly working to engage with individuals and groups who influence young people when they are out in the wider community, so more of us can spot signs of abuse and report it. This is a critical feature of contextual safeguarding.

Meeting to share knowledge and expertise allows social workers from different parts of the East Midlands to learn from each other and provide the highest standard of practice in their respective areas.

Guest speakers included:

Jane Wiffin, from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse

Craig Barlow PHD from the University of Hull

Councillor David Wilby, Rutland County Council's Cabinet Member for Safeguarding Children and Young People, said: "Social workers do an incredibly important job. They support families in times of trouble or uncertainty and work tirelessly to protect children and young people.

"Social workers here in Rutland are part of a much wider community of social care professionals from across the East Midlands.

"This partnership and the work that we carry out with neighbouring areas is vital in order to help keep people safe.

"However, safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and you should not hesitate to report any concerns you may have about the welfare of a child or young person who might be at risk of harm."

If you're worried that a child is in danger, being neglected or needs safeguarding, tell Rutland County Council straight away - call 01572 758 407 or email [email protected].