05/09/2026
ECPAT UK is delighted to announce four Children's Champions for 2025/26: Jonathan Farrell, Kimberley Hutchison Beth Smith of Barnardo's and Kathleen Whitehead of Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit
They have all been recognised for their outstanding commitment to protecting and supporting child victims of trafficking and exploitation by our Youth Advisory Group who assessed nominees against three core criteria of child-centredness, kindness and advocacy.
This year the panel was struck by the exceptional strength of the nominations received and chose to recognise four outstanding individuals whose work spans legal advocacy, survivor-led research, guardianship and community support.
The winners were announced by ECPAT UK Youth Advisory Group at an awards ceremony designed by them in London on 3rd September 2026, attended by nominees, partners and the UK Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons who addressed attendees and thanked the Youth Advisory Group for their work.
Read more: https://www.ecpat.org.uk/ecpat-uk-names-children-champions-for-202526