Voluntary Work: Abuse

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport written question – answered at on 14 June 2019.

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Photo of Carolyn Harris Carolyn Harris Shadow Minister (Equalities Office) (Women and Equalities)

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what representations she has received on the extent of physical and verbal abuse directed at volunteers in the charity sector.

Photo of Mims Davies Mims Davies The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Charities should be safe spaces for everyone; whether employees, volunteers or members of the public. Abuse of any kind is abhorrent and charity leaders must take a zero tolerance approach to misconduct and make sure proper protections are in place.

DCMS has funded research into bullying behaviours in the charity sector as part of its Domestic Charity Safeguarding Programme. The report, launched on the 10 June, provides evidence on charity behaviours including case studies from whistleblowers. It must be the start of tangible change in those charities whose workplace culture does not currently reflect their values.

Government’s involvement in the research strengthens our commitment to charity safeguarding and safer charity cultures and leadership. This is a commitment set out in the Civil Society Strategy.

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