Jess Phillips MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Safeguarding in Faith Communities. Jess Philips MP is a prominent advocate for survivors of abuse and a long-standing campaigner for safeguarding reform.
During the session, Jess Phillips emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with faith communities on the issues of safeguarding. She highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and cultural change within faith communities. Jess stated that while legislative reform is important, training and guidance are essential for embedding the changes.
Jess said, “Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it can never be a shield for abuse or inaction. I’ve been clear that anyone undertaking relevant activity with children in England will be subject to the new duty to report child sexual abuse. This includes religious instructors, youth workers and volunteers.
We are committed to working with faith communities to raise standards, close loopholes, and ensure that every child – regardless of their faith or background – is safe, heard, and protected.”
Jess’ participation was welcomed by fellow APPG members, who were encouraged by her continued commitment to elevating the voices of survivors and pushing for systemic change within institutions where safeguarding failures have occurred.
Justin Humphreys, Joint CEO of Thirtyone:eight and Principal Advisor to the APPG said, “The APPG welcomed the opportunity to put questions to the Minister on the effectiveness of the proposed Mandatory Reporting duty and asked how the government intend to engage faith communities further. Jess reassured the group that the government is open to continued collaboration and is committed to working directly with the APPG. We look forward to working with her in the future.”
The APPG has published a summary of the meeting, including key discussion points and will continue its work on seeing through the full implementation of the final recommendations of IICSA.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Safeguarding in Faith Communities brings together parliamentarians, faith leaders, experts, and survivor voices, providing a cross-party forum to discuss and promote best practices in protecting vulnerable people within religious and faith-based settings. It welcomes interest from all those who share its commitment to join them in their important work to create safer places in any faith setting or community. For more information about the group and its activities, please visit https://www.thirtyoneeight.org/about-us/appg
Photo from L-R:
- Katy Jackson - Public Policy and Advocacy Manager, Thirtyone:eight (Secretariat to APPG)
- Jess Phillips MP - Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls
- Bishop Viv Faull - The Lord Bishop of Bristol and Co-Chair of the APPG
- Ruth Jones MP - Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn and Co-Chair of the APPG
- Sam Carling MP - Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire and Officer of the APPG
- Justin Humphreys - CEO Thirtyone:eight and Principal Advisor to the APPG