Step by Step Back Change in Child Protection Law

• 12 August 2022

Step by Step recently backed a campaign by the NSPCC to update the law regarding ‘persons in positions of trust’. We are delighted to report that this campaign has been successful and resulted in a change that will offer protection for more young people.

The Sexual Offences Act in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Sexual Offences Order) makes it illegal for adults in certain positions of trust to engage in sexual activity with a child in their care, even with a consenting child over the age of 16. These positions of trust include teachers, care workers, social workers and doctors.

The NSPCC’s Close the Loophole campaign believed that ‘positions of trust’ should be extended to also include faith group leaders and sports coaches. Step by Step joined the petition to campaign for this change.

Mae Partridge, Step by Step Regional Foyer Manager and Safeguarding Lead, explains: “We share the NSPCC’s belief that it should be illegal for anyone who has a position of authority over children to have a sexual relationship with them and we supported the campaign to change the law.”

“Although most people who work or volunteer with children have their best interests at heart, organisations that work with children have a responsibility to prevent anyone who is in a position of authority from abusing a child.”

In June 2022, the law was changed. It is now illegal for sports coaches and faith leaders to engage in sexual activity with 16- and 17-year-olds in their care. We think this is a great win for the campaign and a significant step in protecting children from sexual exploitation.

However, there are some roles that are still not legally defined as being positions of trust, such as driving instructors and people running community activities for children.

We will continue working to support the NSPCC and other organisations in campaigning for this definition to include any adult working with children or vulnerable young people.