Source: Department of Education published on this website Wednesday 5 February 2025 by Jill Powell

Overview of Open Consultation

The Department of Education are seeking views on the revised ‘Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions in schools’ guidance. 

Why your views matter

This Government firmly believes that every child and young person should know that success can belong to them, and that is why we must break down all barriers to opportunity. This includes focusing on high and rising standards in education, so everyone can enjoy the best start in life.

We're seeking your views on whether the revised 'Use of reasonable force and other restrictive interventions in schools' guidance supports schools to:

• Meet the new statutory requirement to record every significant incident of use of force and report these incidents to the parents of the pupils involved, effective from September 2025.
• Proactively minimise the need to use reasonable force and other restrictive interventions through prevention, de-escalation and analysing data to support improvement planning.
• Support staff to understand when and how to use force or other restrictive interventions safely and lawfully.
• Support staff who work with pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
• Meet their safeguarding duties towards staff and pupils.

Access the Survey

Source. Home Office published on this site Monday 3 February 2025 by Jill Powell

Over one million adults a year experience sexual violence, yet many are not aware of the free help available through the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support line.  

A dedicated awareness campaign, launching today, is designed to reach the survivors still suffering in silence. This contributes to the Government’s Safer Streets Mission to halve violence against women and girls over the next 10 years. The campaign launch coincides with Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

Funded by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales, the line handled over 100,000 calls and webchats in its second year, providing victims aged 16 and over with a free, confidential, emotional support and listening service.  

Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, said: 

“Talking about sexual assault isn’t easy, but no one should suffer in silence. 

“Sexual violence – in all forms - is a traumatic crime. It takes courage to seek help, and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is there to support people with that essential first step. 

“If you’re in need of help today, please get in touch to get the support you deserve.”

The Support Line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to all survivors. It is accessible through phone and webchat, with additional online resources to help friends and family who are supporting survivors to rebuild their lives. 

The Government is determined to reach more victims of sexual violence and encourage them to reach out for support, regardless of gender or background.  

Ciara Bergman, CEO, Rape Crisis England & Wales, said: 

“The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line provides free and specialist support to anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has experienced something sexual that they didn’t want, didn’t consent to or are feeling confused about – no matter when or where it happened.  We’re delighted to support the Ministry of Justice’s campaign to raise awareness of the Support Line, ensuring more survivors have access to this vital service.”

Further Information 

• The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line campaign looks to raise awareness of the support available to victims of sexual violence and encourage them to reach out for support. The campaign wants victims to understand that, no matter what happened: you deserve support, it wasn’t your fault, we’ll listen to you, and we’ll believe you. The campaign directs victims to call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk to chat online or find out more. If you want to support the campaign, or gain access to campaign materials, please email 247Campaign@justice.gov.uk.
• This builds on the work of the Government to tackle perpetrators and address the root causes of abuse and violence. Ministers have already announced the launch of the Domestic Abuse Protection Orders pilot, outlined plans to introduce independent legal advisers for adult rape victims, and set out a new drive to inform all victims of crime of their rights via the Victims’ Code. 
• The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) provides the best measure of victimisation and estimated that 2.3% of adults (3.3% women and 1.2% men) aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the year ending March 2022 survey; this equates to an estimated 1.1 million adults (798,000 women and 275,000 men). 
• Data provided by Rape Crisis England and Wales covers calls and webchats in the year December 2023 – December 2024.

Source: SWGfl published on this website Tuesday 4 February 2025 by Jill Powell

As the countdown begins for Safer Internet Day 2025, taking place on February 11th, excitement is building across the UK. This year’s theme, “Too Good to Be True? Protecting Yourself and Others from Scams Online,” highlights a crucial issue and is there to support young people with identifying and avoiding online scams.

With just one week to go, there is  time to get involved and make a difference. Whether you’re an educator, parent, carer, or simply passionate about internet safety, there are plenty of ways you can support the day and inspire others to do the same. Here are four key steps you can take this week to ensure you’re ready to celebrate Safer Internet Day 2025.

1. Register as a Safer Internet Day Supporter

By signing up as an official supporter, you’ll join thousands of organisations across the UK showing their commitment to online safety. Not only will your organisation appear on the Safer Internet Day Supporters Map, but you’ll also receive a digital Supporters Certificate to proudly display.

Your participation will showcase the incredible efforts being made nationwide and inspire others to take action.

Register now

2. Download Free Education Resources

Educators can prepare for the day with a wealth of free resources tailored to different age groups, from early years to young adults. Each resource pack is designed to engage students on this year’s theme, offering:

• Presentation slides
• Interactive activities
• Assembly plans for the whole school

These resources are available in Welsh and Irish, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

The packs are split into four age groups:

• Ages 3-7
• Ages 7-11
• Ages 11-14
• Ages 14-18

Get started by downloading the resources and planning your activities today!

Access Education Resources

3. Share Your Plans Online with the Social Media Toolkit

Help us to spark a national conversation about online safety! Download the official social media pack, which includes ready-made graphics and example posts, and share your plans for Safer Internet Day on your school or organisation’s social channels.

Use the hashtag #SaferInternetDay and tag our @UKSIC accounts to ensure your activities are part of the wider conversation. Whether it’s a workshop, quiz, or special assembly, sharing your efforts helps to amplify the message and inspire others to participate.

Access Social Media Toolkit

4. Test Your Knowledge with Safer Internet Day Quizzes

Get young people involved with the Safer Internet Day quizzes, designed to test their knowledge and prepare them for real-life scenarios where they may encounter scams online. The quizzes focus on key areas such as:

• Recognising phishing attempts
• Protecting personal information
• Knowing who to turn to for help

These fun and educational quizzes are a great way to engage students in discussions about online safety.

Access Quizzes

Get Involved with Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day isn’t just a date on the calendar – it’s a call to action for everyone to make the internet a safer and more inclusive place. By addressing issues like online scams, we empower young people with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world responsibly.

Join us on February 11th to celebrate the progress we’ve made, raise awareness of the challenges we face, and inspire positive change.

Have you registered your support yet? Don’t wait – there’s still time to get involved and make a difference. Visit the Safer Internet Day website to sign up, download resources, and join the conversation today!

Register Support

The Charity Commission published on this website Monday 27 January 2025 by Jill Powell

The charity regulator is engaging with the Church of England over the urgent need to improve its safeguarding arrangements, following the publication of the independent Makin Review and ahead of key debates at the Church’s General Synod (Parliament) next month. 

In February, the Synod is due to consider proposals and legislation related to safeguarding including options for new structures, in response to various independent reports including the Makin Review. While the Commission does not regulate the General Synod itself – which is not a charity – decisions the Synod makes impact on charities within the Church. 

The Commission renewed its engagement with Church authorities following the publication of the Makin Review – an independent review by Keith Makin into the Church of England’s handling of allegations of serious abuse by the late John Smyth QC. 

A meeting was held between senior representatives of the Commission and the National Church Institutions, including the Archbishop of York, earlier this month. 

Following this, the Commission is writing to all members of the General Synod who are also trustees of Church charities to draw attention to their legal duties, specifically their duty to take reasonable steps to protect from harm people who come into contact with their charity. This includes ensuring that processes, procedures and training are fit for purpose, and that safeguarding concerns are not able to be ignored or covered up. 

The Commission’s letter encourages trustees on the Synod to consider the extent to which any proposals “will enable you to comply with your duty to take reasonable steps to keep all who come into contact with your charity safe.” 

The Commission will continue its regulatory engagement to ensure trustees of Church charities are able to fulfil their duties.