This inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Safeguarding in Faith Communities, launched 14 April 2026, will examine the strengths and risks in the understanding and application of the current definition of ‘regulated activity’ (Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) for children in England and Wales.
The inquiry welcomes submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including people with experience of safeguarding in faith contexts, practitioners, safeguarding professionals, academics, voluntary and community organisations, people with lived experience, and other relevant parties.
Purpose of the inquiry:
- To assess the understanding and application of the definition of ‘regulated activity’ for faith communities and organisations in England and Wales.
- To identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas of risk related to the definition of ‘regulated activity’ for faith communities and organisations.
- To provide findings and recommendations, as appropriate.
Guiding questions:
- To what extent is there a shared and consistent understanding and application of the definition of ‘regulated activity’ across faith communities and organisations?
- What are the strengths of the current definition in the context of faith communities and organisations?
- What complexities and loopholes arise from the application of the current definition in the context of faith communities and organisations?
- What are the associated risks of the current definition for faith communities and organisations?
- What are the implications of these associated risks for safeguarding practices and promoting safe environments for faith communities and organisations?
- What would strengthen the current definition of ‘regulated activity’ and understanding and application of the definition in practice for faith communities and organisations?
The inquiry shall include:
- A review of relevant legislation, guidance, and any existing research.
- Questionnaire gathering evidence from people with experience of safeguarding in faith contexts.
- Open call for written evidence.
- Public evidence hearing.
- Publication of inquiry findings.
Call for evidence:
Submissions may include case studies, examples of practice, or lived experience, research, data, and policy analysis that help illuminate both the strengths and challenges relevant to the inquiry’s focus. While contributors are welcome to reference practical examples, the inquiry will not consider broader debates outside the scope of the inquiry’s remit.
- Limited to 2,500 words total.
- Submitted as an MS Word document or email.
- Clearly structured and referenced where appropriate.
Submissions should respond to one or more of the inquiry’s guiding questions. You do not need to answer all of the questions.
Contributors are encouraged to include their name, organisation and role, and to indicate clearly if they would prefer not to be referenced or quoted in the final report.
Please send your submission by Friday 10 July 2026.
Email to: [email protected]
Subject line: APPG Regulated Activity Inquiry
You should not include names or identifiable details about individuals or specific safeguarding cases without consent.
Your evidence will play an important role in shaping the inquiry’s findings and recommendations. We are grateful for the time and expertise you contribute and thank you in advance for your engagement
Questionnaire
We are seeking evidence from people with experience of safeguarding in faith contexts to complete our questionnaire and help us understand whether the current definition of regulated activity appropriately reflects the realities of faith‑based activity and whether reform is needed.
Complete questionnaireCall for written evidence
The inquiry welcomes written submissions from a wide range of stakeholders. Submissions may include research, data, policy analysis, case studies, examples of practice, or lived experience that help illuminate both the strengths and challenges relevant to the inquiry’s focus.
Submit written evidenceContact the APPG
If you would like to contact someone about this inquiry or the work of the APPG, please email the secretariat on [email protected]
"I am pleased to be able to formally announce the new inquiry to be held by the APPG for Safeguarding in Faith Communities. I would encourage anyone with relevant information to take part in the consultation. We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the final report is as detailed as possible and any recommendations are workable and robust." - Ruth Jones MP, APPG Co-Chair
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