An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) is conducting an inquiry into the safeguarding of children in faith-based environments after several loopholes were identified regarding “regulated activity” in some volunteer-led worship activities.
The APPG on Safeguarding in Faith Communities aims to improve protections for children in churches, mosques, and other religious settings by determining how well current safeguarding rules are understood and applied.
The focus of the inquiry is “regulated activity,” or work with children that poses enough risk that certain procedures like DBS checks should be enacted.
Using questionnaires and written submissions, the APPG is inviting church and other faith leaders, volunteers, youth workers, and survivors to share their experiences. The deadline for the inquiry is July, after which a report with recommendations will be created.
“Clarifying and expanding the definition of regulated activity would ensure comprehensive safeguarding across all contexts, including faith-based settings, and help educate these groups about their responsibilities, leading to better protection for children and vulnerable individuals,” said Thirtyone:eight, a Christian safeguarding charity which is promoting the investigation.
“Significant gaps exist in the current definition of regulated activity within faith communities. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals.”
