From:	Bartram, Catherine on behalf of Meggs, Mel
Sent:	26 June 2018 16:22
To:	BTContactaddress
Cc:	Hatton, Lesley
Subject:	Council Petition

Dear Mr Harron

On 23 May 2018 the Council received the petition presented by the survivor known as ‘Elizabeth’ which 
requested the Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services issue a public statement 
detailing his reasons for deciding to return 1400 copies of the publication ‘Voices of Despair, Voices of 
Hope’. 

The Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services at that time was Ian Thomas, who left the 
employment of Rotherham MBC in May 2018.

As Mr Thomas is no longer employed by Rotherham MBC, the Council cannot action the specific request 
made in the petition. However in a further petition a request has been made to disclose an email from 
Mr Thomas to the Commissioners, dated 5 August 2015, and that email sets out the reasons for the 
decision.  The Council will be disclosing that email with appropriate redactions to preserve the 
anonymity of third parties.

Regards,
Mel Meggs  
Acting Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services  
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council 
Email: mel.meggs@rotherham.gov.uk  
 
Before printing, think about the environment 
Working with children, families and our partners, for Rotherham’s Children’s Services to be rated 
outstanding by 2018;
  


Children and young people are healthy and safe from harm
Children and young people start school ready to learn for life
Children, young people and their families are ready for the world of work

This will mean our children, young people and families are proud to live and work in Rotherham