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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Safeguarding Alliance have been relentlessly campaigning on this live safeguarding loophole for over five years. We are the reason the Government are finally taking responsibility and action.
Although we welcome the news that legislation is being brought forward, it cannot be a ‘tick box’ excerise and must provide protection and enforeceability. We will continue to lobby to this effect.
When The Safeguarding Alliance initially raised the critical issue of sex offenders exploiting this legal loophole to change their names and evade justice, our concerns were met with indifference. Officials did not want to know, allowing this dangerous loophole to remain open, thereby putting more individuals at risk, undermining the trust and safety of survivors and making a complete mockery of the legal system. To the point legislation designed to protect was being rendered redundant.
When the issue of Sex Offender Name Change was initially raised in Parliament during early-day motion 2769 in October 2019, Jacob Rees-Mogg’s response was:
“…Crucially, the failure of a sex offender to tell the police of a name change within three days is a criminal offence with a maximum prison sentence of five years, so although it may be easy for people to change their name, it is illegal and the penalty is quite severe.”
Knowing that the system did not monitor, manage or deter sex offenders changing their name, and the penalty was not severe at all, The Safeguarding Alliance continued to do what was right and successfully campaigned for change.
Our journey to this point has not been swift or easy; it has taken five years of relentless campaigning, marked by significant dedication and effort to bring about meaningful change.
Throughout this time, The Safeguarding Alliance has:
• Dedicated over 6,000 hours of our time to advocate for survivors and push for legislative reform.
• Held over 60 parliamentary meetings to discuss and put forward our recommendations.
• Issued over 70 media statements to keep the public informed and engaged.
• Sent over 2,000 letters to officials to highlight the urgency of this issue.
• Conducted over 80 Freedom of Information requests to gather essential data.
• Represented the voice of survivors during a key parliamentary debate.
• Been mentioned in Hansard over 40 times, ensuring our contributions are officially recognised.
• Supported with an Early-Day Motion to raise the alarm of this live safeguarding risk.
• Initiated the first survivor group focused on the issue of sex offender name changes.
• Alerted both the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and the ACRO Criminal Records Office to this critical loophole.
• Influenced changes to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, enhancing protective measures for the most vulnerable.
• Raised the international profile of this issue, highlighting its global importance.
• Drafted the only expert matter report on this subject, contributing to a deeper understanding of the implications.
• Participated in the Home Office Inquiry, presenting evidence and recommendations.
• Raised awareness through the All Party Parliamentary Group for Safeguarding in Faith Communities.
• Contributed to a documentary, numerous radio and TV channels to amplify our message.
• Drafted a parliamentary briefing to inform and educate lawmakers.
• Created a petition that garnered over 30,000 signatures, demonstrating substantial public support for change.
• Written to numerous Prime Ministers, advocating for policy changes at the highest level.
• Conducted over 90 research interviews, adding to the body of knowledge on this issue.
• Appointed a dedicated research team to specifically address sex offender name changes.
Despite these extensive efforts, our organisation and survivor voice was neither consulted nor recognised in the discussions leading up to this recent legislative announcement. This oversight not only undermines our advocacy but also potentially compromises the effectiveness of the legislation in addressing the complex needs and rights of survivors.
As we review the proposed changes, we are committed to ensuring they are comprehensive, survivor-focused, and effective in preventing further harm. We call upon legislators to engage with us in a meaningful dialogue to ensure that the legislation is strengthened and informed by the experiences of those it aims to protect.
We remain dedicated to advocating for policies that provide genuine protection and support to survivors, aiming for a safer and more just society for all. We are meeting with the Safeguarding Minister on 5th March 2024 to discuss this matter further.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
The Safeguarding Alliance
media@thesafeguardingalliance.org.uk
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