South Hams District Council recently held a free training course for taxi drivers, to raise awareness about Child Sexual Exploitation and how to protect vulnerable people.

The course helps drivers to spot the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation or vulnerable people at risk, how to report any concerns, and where to report them.

The course is run throughout the year under the council’s Community Safety Partnership, and has been identified as a valuable training opportunity in the South West. Eleven licensed taxi drivers attended the training at Follaton House in Totnes, on November 15.

Community Safety Partnership Lead, Cllr Tom Holway said: “Community safety is one of the cornerstones of the Council’s responsibility, which is why we believe in the value of this course.

“It is important for taxi drivers to learn about safeguarding the vulnerable because they are the ears and eyes of our community, and I would like to thank our taxi drivers for the time and commitment they have put to this training.

“We would also like to encourage all licensed taxi drivers who have missed out on this opportunity, to keep an eye on the next one, and to please attend. Not only for their own development but to play an important role in making our communities safer.”

A taxi driver who attended the course said: “I have learned so much about safeguarding through this workshop. And I feel confident about spotting the warning signs of Child Sexual Exploitation and how to go about reporting them.”

Another driver added: “It should be compulsory for us to attend this training. All the information that we received will help us to help our customers.”

This course is one of many that take place around the country. It is designed to show the drivers what Child Sexual Exploitation is, the tactics that perpetrators use, how safeguarding can involve the taxi trade unknowingly in trafficking and how to report a concern.

The next course will be held in February 2018. If you are a licensed taxi driver and you would like to get involved, please email: [email protected] to reserve a place.