The Rochdale Scandal Whistleblower - "I kept going because I knew I was right" (Extended Episode)

Parrhesia Tapes

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Welcome to the sixth episode of the Parrhesia Tapes – the podcast series tackling the most pressing issues surrounding freedom of speech, whistleblowing, and the courage to break the silence in the face of injustice.
Our sixth episode focuses on Sara Rowbotham MBE, who was a former health worker in Rochdale who exposed a child sexual abuse ring, making over 180 complaints and reports to police regarding the vulnerable children she was working with spanning over a decade, with with she was ignored and scapegoated. A recent CSA report released in January 2024 concluded she consistently raised concerns with both the police and children's social care at the highest level'. Sara’s tireless efforts to expose the abuse was portrayed by Maxine Peake in the BAFTA award winning BBC drama Three Girls, showing the dedication, commitment and courage of the NHS staff who go above and beyond to provide the best possible care in the most challenging circumstances.In 2018 Sara received a Special Recognition at the NHS Heroes Awards and was made an honorary member of the Council of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and in 2021 she was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Sara is joined by Dame Jasvinder Sanghera DBE, Independent Safeguarding Chair for Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership, Parrhesia Inc Trustee and Founder of Award Winning charity Karma Nirvana which aims to end honour based killings in the UK.
Hosted by Martin Bright and Natasha Lovel
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If you have been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, there are signposting resources on our website: https://www.parrhesia.org.uk/signposting/