iiCSA Forum, 23rd March, Manchester

Thursday, 23rd March,
I arrived at the hotel early and was directed to the fourth floor, where I saw a few familiar faces, and met a few people I have been in contact with but never met face to face.

Some of these people were from Bryn Alyn Community, same as myself.Now, when the court cases were ongoing against BA staff, the defense team constantly threw at the survivors, the idea of collusion simply because they had been talking to others from the home.
This was a concern raised at the start.Whilst I was there yesterday, I came to the conclusion that Now, with the iiCSA hosting so many events at which survivors will meet with people that could fall under the collusion bracket, that one now has to be out the window as a plausible defense.

Several tables were set out in the room, with a facilitator posted to each table, 10 seats to each.
Estimate 25 people attended.
The day started slightly late, with Robbie making quick introductions and an apology for the email blunder.
Dru outlined the code of conduct and the agenda for the day.

It was mentioned by Dru that the Seminars are actually open to the Public. This met with the response that this was not known and perhaps that needed to change.
This led to a lengthier than anticipated discussion about the actual setup and function of the Seminars.

There was then a short video from the Migration investigation.

This was followed by a table discussion, with Dru and Robbie dropping onto each table during the discussions on the inquiry so far and how better to engage people.
Discussions were then put to the room for further input.

After lunch there was a short introduction by Stephen from the Research department.
He went through the schedule for the next year and then opened up a table discussion on the direction we saw the inquiry going, and the way forward. The changes we wished to see and the ways the inquiry can engage with us on a more equal footing.
Also discussion on possible future seminar topics.
Discussion was then presented to the room for further open thought.

Majority of the room were open to the idea of an online forum where iiCSA could moderate threads, keep us informed of upcoming events or deadlines, and we could leave our thoughts as to the progress and direction.
A lot wanted a regular newsletter (although that could be handled via the online forum).
It was agreed the Tech dept. would look at the ease and viability of both.

An extension of the Health Care investigation was called for, to incorporate Lunatic Asylums.
An extension on Residential Schools was called for to include the Lack of education actually provided.
Local Authority info sharing and disclosure was raised.
FGM was raised, as was the need to extend the inquiry into the different ethnic communities.
The TV and media normalisation of paedophilia was mentioned.

There was also comment of a need to look deeper into the activities of paedophile information exchange within SS and Gov.

It was agreed that all comments would be considered.