OVER 200 people attended a safeguarding conference in Bradford over the weekend, discussing how to keep children and young people in the district safe from abuse.

The conference, which was at the Midland Hotel on Saturday, referenced a report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) into Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings, a report published in September which suggested that there were “shocking failings” in the way some faith organisations were responding to reports of child sexual abuse.

The event aimed to encourage organisations to have appropriate safeguarding policies in place, in order to make sure that young people are protected.

Dr Javed Bashir, safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions, said: “Those in a position of leadership and people who work with children should undergo compulsory safeguarding training.

“Trustees have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect people in their institution, therefore they should review their existing culture and values to assess whether there are any barriers and make sure they support victims who may come forward.”

The conference welcomed representatives from West Yorkshire Police, the University of Bradford, Sharing Voices and Strengthening Faith Institutions.

People from Muslim, Sikh, Christian and Hindu communities were in attendance, discussing what their faith groups can do following the IICSA report, which found that some institutions were guilty of victim-blaming and were more worried about their reputation than they were about the abuse itself.

“Even if faith organisations already have robust safeguarding and child protection measures in place, extra considerations still need to be given”, Dr Bashir added.

“Where families are unable to meet the basic needs of children, this can, in some cases, lead to an increased likelihood of abuse, neglect and harm.

“During the pandemic - where paid work was threatened or lost, or where families had to isolate - this risk of poverty increased that risk.

“Social media and gaming sites also become a lifeline for children amid isolation.

“Faith institutions should be able to monitor online activity, recognise the signs of exploitation and take action.

“Helping parents to establish clear boundaries with children about their online activity can be a protective factor.

“Faith leaders need to be the eyes and ears that first pick up any signs of abuse, neglect and harm.”

Dr Bashir added that the well-attended conference was a “real success”.

“It demonstrates that there is a real desire and interest to keep children safe”, he said

“We will continue to support these organisations to make sure they provide a safer space for children.”

For more information, email javed@sfitogether.org.