Everyone’s Invited: Policies alone can’t solve the problems

By Forbes Solicitors

23 Apr 2021

lucy-harris.jpg

Ofsted is to review how schools in England have dealt historically with sexual harassment and assault amongst pupils. This follows a pledge from the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to take 'appropriate action' after thousands of accounts of sexual abuse from pupils were shared on the website Everyone's Invited.

OfSted has already indicated that it will ask 'whether the current inspection regimes in both state and private schools are strong enough to address [safeguarding] concerns'. It is anticipated that 'anti-sexism and abuse' policies may be recommended as the answer to addressing serious allegations of sexual abuse made by pupils. Indeed, even before the announcement of the Ofsted review, a school named in posts on Everyone's Invited has already stated that it is now working on an anti-sexism plan. Other schools which have had allegations made about them in posts on the website have also responded stating that reviews will be carried out.

There is no question, given the rapidly growing number of testimonies on Everyone's Invited, that investigating claims and reviewing processes and cultures is required. However, this must not be blind to the many positive steps and extensive policies schools already have in place to promote safeguarding.

Government guidance outlines more than 30 statutory policies for schools and academies. This covers both state and independent schools and includes guidance to address bullying, safeguarding & child protection, sex and relationship education, data protection, equality & inclusion, behaviour and sanctions in schools. In addition, many schools will have further policies covering computer network and internet usage, the taking, using and storing of digital images, and policies for complaints handling and whistle blowing.

Many of these polices already clearly outline practices and processes that should promote pupil safeguarding and prevent some of the many different allegations made by pupils on Everyone's Invited. They also offer a pathway for resolving these same issues when they arise. However, the concern is that external reviews will conclude that existing measures aren't extensive enough because there are specific gaps in terms of named anti-abuse, anti-assault and anti-sexism policies. The obvious tangible recommendation will be to draft more policy to address perceived shortcomings.

And yet, can another layer of policy, however clear and direct, hope to end disrespectful practices, effect culture change and make educational establishments a more secure workplace?

The real issue for schools is making sure they are taking student disclosures seriously. Schools must concentrate on revisiting and re-reading existing guidance and focus not on what is missing, but more importantly, why it is not working - based on the rise in recent allegations.

The widespread use of digital communications and mobile devices presents real challenges. It is not possible for schools and parents to confidently know what a child in proximity to a mobile phone or with access to the internet has witnessed or heard.

Boundary distinctions needs also to be drawn. Much peer on peer harassment, bullying and abuse occurs off school premises and out of school time when teachers are no longer in loco parentis.

It must be acknowledged too that the 'Everyone's Invited' testimonials seem to cover a vast array of complaints- each requiring a bespoke approach. No one policy or approach will fit all.

Safeguarding is a complex task, and the safe handling of disclosures even more so. Informing appropriate channels whilst simultaneously and correctly applying data protection rights, confidentiality, and balancing human rights requires wisdom and insight and time. Resource will always be a challenge.

Reviews and actions should concentrate on reconnecting schools with lead partners in the police and social care. Quality partnership working will help change cultures where the reporting of allegations and the leadership response to it is perceived to be weak. Revisiting the connections that schools already have with other key organisations will prove more effective in instigating change and better prevent the cause of some of the offences posted about on Everyone's Invited.

The heart of the problem is surely societal however. The education sector alone cannot be expected to solve the problem. Harassment, assault, bullying and abuse thrive where children lack security, love, self esteem, safe boundaries, limits, and the confidence to say no. Whilst the education sector should strive to educate, mitigate risk and harm, and respond well when things go wrong, society must instil the foundations required to prevent the issues in the first place. It seems neither fair, just nor reasonable to place yet more onus on schools to instil in their charges morals, respect and boundaries. Surely responsibility for this lies at home.

They say it takes a village to raise a child… not more policies.

For more information contact Lucy Harris in our Education department via email or phone on 01254 222443. 

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin