As the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, we have always sought to create places where children and vulnerable adults can be free from harm and abuse. Ahead of the 2024 general election, we have published our first-ever manifesto, setting out the key opportunities for the Government to improve policy, legislation and guidance that offers greater protection for all children and adults living in the UK.
In partnership with academic bodies, legislators, policy-makers and other like-minded organisations we’ve been hard at work to understand the risks that remain and the areas where improvement or development in legislation could help support the creation of safer places across all settings.
Despite the many challenges, the opportunity remains for us to develop laws and guidance which continue to support and enhance the hard-won protections already in place, to reform and strengthen existing legislation, and to break new ground in areas where there is still a lack of clear and effective policy and guidance.
But why does a charity need a manifesto and what is it for?
What is a charity manifesto?
When we think of manifestos, we often think of politics. Ahead of a general election political parties will lay out their promises, goals, and priorities to unite and inspire potential voters.
A charity manifesto is very similar, in that it clearly states the priorities of the charity and how they wish the Government to act to improve society, in the hope of uniting others to their cause, and facilitating lasting, and legal improvements.
Why have a charity manifesto?
Creates focus:
It guides us back to our core priorities and ensures that every action we take is in line with our vision for a world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe.
Inspires unity:
Our manifesto is a beacon of inspiration, hopefully creating conversation and uniting our community to a common purpose. We hope to envision volunteers, donors, and supporters around our cause, igniting a shared passion towards change.
Connection and belonging:
At the heart of our manifesto lies community. It is about people. We hope to create deep connections with others who share our vision that propels our collective efforts. Together we can make society safer for all. We also aim to create a sense of belonging for survivors, victims and advocates for them to feel heard, understood and receive justice.
The Thirtyone:eight Manifesto
The manifesto, entitled ‘Together we can - a manifesto for a safer society for all’, contains several key recommendations grouped into three main themes.
The recommendations aim to:
1. Strengthen the safeguards that are already in place.
2. Better protect victims and survivors of abuse.
3. Create safer environments for all.
With the legal responsibility for safeguarding split between the UK government and the devolved administrations, the manifesto is divided into four specific policy asks for Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and Wales.
We are calling on the governments to align safeguarding legislation as far as possible across the four nations so that wherever people live in the UK, they can experience the same level of protection from harm and abuse.
Leigh McFarlane, Public Policy and Research Manager for Thirtyone:eight, said “In our manifesto we have identified several important opportunities that exist to improve policy, legislation, and guidance. Drawing on the latest evidence and published research, and with the help of our expert team, we’ve made a number of recommendations which seek to find solutions to some of the key challenges and barriers that currently exist.
In our ongoing work across the UK parliaments in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England to advocate and engage governments and parliamentarians we’ve already seen significant success, we know it works. We’re looking forward to working together with other like-minded organisations and individuals as we make progress on the areas outlined in this manifesto to secure a safer society for all.”
The opportunities we’ve identified include:
1. Introducing robust mandatory reporting laws.
2. Introducing a statutory definition of grooming
3. Closing the loopholes that allow convicted sex offenders to change their name and avoid detection.
4. Widening the scope of existing Position of Trust legislation.
5. Reforming the Access NI vetting and barring scheme in Northern Ireland.
6. Removing the defence for reasonable chastisement/punishment of children in England and Northern Ireland.
7. Implementing the recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) within England and Wales.
Justin Humphreys, Thirtyone:eight’s joint-chief executive says, “For almost half a century now Thirtyone:eight has been at the forefront of safeguarding and child protection in the UK working as a trusted champion for the rights of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm. Since our early days we’ve witnessed the development, evolution, and more recently the devolution of the legislative landscape surrounding safeguarding. This poses a number of significant challenges and opportunities for us that we address in this Manifesto. As a charity, our vision is of a world where every child and adult can feel, and be, safe. Engaging with law and policy makers is one important way we can work together to make significant and tangible steps toward seeing that vision become a reality.”
Get involved:
We are sending the Thirtyone:eight manifesto to politicians, advocates and charities, along with members of the press and media. We will continue to ask the government to prioritise these issues and we will hold them to account.
If you would like to support our work or endorse any of our recommendations, you may consider doing the following:
1. Spread the word! Share our manifesto with your networks.
2. Lend your voice. Speak or write to your local MP.
3. Stay Connected. Sign up to our mailing list to stay updated. Click here and scroll down to the sign-up form.
4. Donate. As a charity, we are dependent on people like you to support our vital work in creating safer places. Make a donation today.
If you would like to read the manifesto, please download it here.