The Independent Inquiry into sexual abuse in England and Wales, which was set up after investigations into the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal, revealed widespread abuse across decades and inadequate safeguarding by institutions and organisations responsible for the welfare of children and young people. The inquiry has taken seven years and has made a range of recommendations to better protect children and young people from sexual abuse.

The report on child protection in religious organisations and settings identified failings and concerns across a number of religious organisations including: 

• Lack of or inadequate Safeguarding and Child Protection Procedures.
• Children not being believed, victim blaming, whilst alleged abusers were supported or moved on.
• Mistrust and fear of the involvement of statutory agencies with a range of barriers to reporting abuse including concerns about reputational damage.
• Abusers taking advantage of a victim’s faith to facilitate abuse and ensure their silence. 
• Abuse of power by religious leaders. 
• Religious believers finding it difficult to contemplate that fellow congregation members or religious leaders could perpetrate abuse.

Read more about the Independent Inquiry at:
iicsa.org.uk

IICSA’s recommendations include that all organisations have a child protection policy with supporting procedures which includes guidance on responding to allegations of abuse. 

The Boys’ Brigade is committed to providing a safe environment for our children and young people, our leaders and staff. The BB has Safeguarding Policies and procedures supported by guidance for leaders. These are reviewed regularly. 

The Safeguarding e-learning module and “Keeping Everyone Safe” card were developed to ensure that all leaders know exactly what to do when a child or young person tells them about a safeguarding concern or allegation.

Read more at:
boys-brigade.org.uk/safeguarding