IICSA Changemakers – Survivor participation opportunity

IICSA Changemakers – Survivor participation opportunity

The Independent Inquiry into Childhood Sexual Abuse IICSA’s final report was published in October 2022 and called the nature and scale of child sexual abuse in England and Wales "horrific and deeply disturbing”. It concluded that "child protection must be given a much greater priority in public life."

Once the Inquiry ended the IICSA Changemakers came together to form a coalition that helps keep shining a light on the issues raised. The Changemakers are comprised of 65 organisations,  including survivors, charities, support services and groups that work on the frontline and have experience of preventing and tackling sexual abuse. BACP have been part of the Changemakers Group from the outset, with Jo Holmes, Children Young People and Families Lead based within the BACP Policy team, representing the organisation.

Each organisation or individual member recognises the importance of working collectively to bring about the changes highlighted by the inquiry so the protection of children from sexual abuse and support for victims and survivors is given a much greater priority in public life. One of the roles within Changemakers is the Survivor Participation Manager. We’re currently working alongside the manager, Denise Pringle, a survivor herself, to help engage other survivors to influence the direction and work priorities of the group.

As part of this process, we are reaching out to third sector providers who may work with post-18’s who are already involved in co-production activities or are keen to have the opportunity to help steer the direction of the Changemakers Group. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact publicaffairs@bacp.co.uk for the attention of Jo Holmes.

If you’d like to see a copy of the latest IICSA Changemakers Survivor Newsletter then click here