The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was established as a statutory inquiry on 12 March 2015 to consider the growing evidence of institutional failures to protect children from child sexual abuse, and to make recommendations to ensure the best possible protection for children in future.

BUGB chose to be a core participant in the inquiry, into child protection in religious organisations and settings, which has reviewed the current child protection policies, practices and procedures in religious institutions that have a significant presence in England and Wales. The report for this stream of the inquiry was published in September 2021.

BUGB submitted its formal response to the inquiry report in February 2022, including a copy of our latest strategic safeguarding plan as an illustration of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding good practice. We believe that participation in the IICSA inquiry is part of our commitment to excellence in safeguarding, and that recognise that the process has already helped us to review and improve our safeguarding policies and practices.

The final report on all the IICSA inquiry streams is due to be published later in 2022.