About us – National FGM Centre

Our vision and aims

The National FGM Centre’s vision is to keep children and young people safe from FGM and other Harmful Practices, with the goal of ending new cases of FGM by 2030. Through our work, we aim to:

Prevent new cases
Protect children and young people
Support those affected by FGM and other Harmful Practices
Partner to deliver services and learn

We received 450 case referrals between Sept 2015 and March 2019 from partner Local Authorities in East England and London, and 14 from other Local Authorities across England and Wales. We have supported the application of 28 FGM Protection Orders during this time.

As of October 2017, our remit has expanded to include Breast Flattening and Spirit Possession, Witchcraft, and Ritualistic Abuse.

Who we are

The National FGM Centre is a partnership between Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association (LGA) to achieve a systems change in the provision of services for children and families affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Funded by the Department of Education as part of its Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme, the Centre works closely with key partners from Local Authorities, Health, Education, Police, and the voluntary sector to achieve its vision and aims.

In 2017, the Centre’s remit was extended to include Breast Flattening and Spirit Possession, Witchcraft, and Ritualistic Abuse.

Download our leaflet about us

Our team

We are a team made of frontline Social Workers, Children Service Manager, National Lead for Strategic Partnering and Sustainability, National Lead for Learning & Professional Development, Knowledge Hub and Digital Officer, Administrator, Business Support Manager and our Head of Centre, Leethen Bartholomew.

Our services

Social Care Provision

Our specialist social workers are embedded within Local Authorities and provide support in cases where FGM, Breast Flattening, or Spirit Possession, Witchcraft, and Ritualistic Abuse is a concern. This can range from providing advice and guidance to frontline professionals, to assisting with child protection proceedings and applications for FGM Protection Orders.

“Thank you for your support during the Ofsted Inspection…The excellent work that you are doing in relation to FGM…was highlighted in the feedback by the inspectors ”
Director, local authority

Case study of our work

Community Engagement

We recognise the need to engage communities in prevention to change embedded attitudes and behaviours. This includes working with men and boys, as well as faith leaders. Community organisations are engaged through stakeholder events, peer research, and community intervention programmes. We also work with schools to engage with parents and their local communities.

“The facilitator was very thought-provoking and challenged me. she was incredibly knowledgeable and gave a good insight and background to the challenges facing both professionals and victims of FGM”
Participant

Our approach

Knowledge Hub

The interactive Knowledge Hub provides a “one-stop shop” for quality-assured national and international guidance, information, and resources regarding FGM, Breast Flattening, and Spirit Possession, Witchcraft, and Ritualistic Abuse.

It supports the continued learning of professionals, the development of good practice, and the promotion of excellence in service delivery.

The Knowledge Hub is regularly updated with resources and content. However, if you feel something is missing, please contact our Knowledge Hub and Digital Officer to suggest a resource or document.

Go to Knowledge Hub

Middle eastern mother helping her child with homework.

Professional Development & Training

We offer half and full-day CPD Accredited training for all professionals, including community organisations.

The training not only educates professionals on what FGM, Breast Flattening, and CALFB are, but also focuses on how to communicate effectively with families, what needs to be included in a referral for it to meet statutory thresholds, and the law. Over 99% of participants would recommend the training.

“There was a frank and clear discussion of issues that are still often seen as ‘taboo’. Also, there was clear instruction in terms of what we must do as professionals if a disclosure is made”
Participant

More informatin on training

Why Commission Us?

At the National FGM Centre, we pride ourselves on the quality and care of the services we provide to families, young people, and professionals. If you would be interested in finding out more about the services we offer, head to our ‘Commission Us’ section.

Commission us