The Academic Advisory Board (AAB) will provide advice on research strategy employed by The Inquiry panel chaired by Justice Lowell Goddard.

As well as providing academic advice on the methods used for collating and analysing data, it will advise on ethical considerations incorporated into the research. The AAB will also provide expert advice, drawing on each member’s knowledge and expertise and will suggest other academics who might be approached for specific advice as and when needed.

Professor Pearce said on hearing of her appointment: “I am pleased to be able to play a role in advising this important inquiry and to work with colleagues to ensure that the research function holds academic rigour, is robust and informed by ongoing research in the field.

“I look forward to the opportunity to move forward with colleagues to advise on the development of the research for the inquiry.”

Professor Jenny Pearce is the Director of the University’s International Centre: Researching child sexual exploitation, violence and trafficking. The International Centre is renowned for its research, teaching and learning on child sexual exploitation, child protection and related work.

Awarded an OBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours for her work on safeguarding vulnerable children, Professor Pearce is also the University’s Professor of Young People and Public Policy.

The University was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the highest form of national recognition for universities in the UK, for its pioneering applied research in child sexual exploitation (CSE), influencing new safeguarding policy and practice.

Congratulating Professor Pearce on her appointment, Bill Rammell, the University of Bedfordshire’s Vice Chancellor, said: “Professor Pearce will bring vital academic expertise to the Inquiry Panel. Her appointment is a clear demonstration of the quality and relevance of the University’s ground-breaking research in this area of vital social concern.”