Blog

  • Safeguarding and the by-election: PSHE Brighton puts its questions to candidates

    Milla Gauge’s resignation has highlighted significant issues regarding safeguarding and accountability in the upcoming Queen’s Park by-election. Candidates from various parties responded to a questionnaire addressing these concerns, revealing contrasting levels of commitment to scrutiny and independent reviews of council policies. The election, set for September 24, will determine a successor amid ongoing parental and…

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  • Milla Gauge Resigns After Months of Unanswered Safeguarding Questions

    Milla Gauge resigned from Brighton & Hove City Council, citing obstruction in addressing urgent concerns regarding gender-distressed children and women’s services. Her resignation highlights failures in the Council’s responsiveness to safeguarding issues raised by residents. Gauge’s struggles to initiate reviews reflect systemic inadequacies within the Council’s procedures and oversight.

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  • “Flawed and Confusing”: Brighton & Hove Council Confronts the New Equality Code

    Brighton & Hove City Council faces legal and ethical questions regarding compliance with the updated Equality and Human Rights Commission Code, effective August 5, 2026. Council exchanges show personal distress amid confusion over affirming transgender rights while adhering to existing laws. Clarity on implementation plans and consultation with all affected groups is urgently needed.

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  • “What Has Changed?” — Brighton & Hove Council’s Answer Reveals the Governance Problem

    A public exchange at Brighton & Hove City Council highlighted significant concerns about safeguarding practices related to autism and gender-related distress. Kate Sawyer’s query about changes prompted by local failures revealed that the Council failed to identify any adjustments after parent concerns. The lack of accountability raises questions about the safeguarding culture and responsiveness of…

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  • Parents ask Council Chief Executive what lessons have been learned from the WellBN investigation

    More than a hundred residents of Brighton & Hove raised concerns regarding the Council’s safeguarding practices and educational policies related to gender-related issues, seeking clarity on six key questions. The Chief Executive’s response was seen as insufficient, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of the Council’s governance, curriculum, and handling of parental concerns.

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  • Safeguarding First: Why We Are Writing to Schools About KCSIE 2026

    PSHE Brighton has urged educational leaders to review safeguarding policies ahead of the new statutory guidance effective September 2026. The emphasis is on ensuring children’s welfare, engaging parents, and understanding the importance of the terms “must” and “should.” The guidance highlights that safeguarding is a shared responsibility and advocates for careful consideration regarding social transition…

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  • PSHEbrighton Statement on the Goldsmid By-Election

    Ahead of the Goldsmid ward by-election, PSHEbrighton sought candidates’ views on safeguarding concerns, particularly following an NHS investigation into WellBN. Only Luke Willmoth responded, highlighting wider silence from public officials on pressing safeguarding questions. PSHEbrighton emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing long-standing parental concerns in Brighton & Hove.

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  • WellBN: The Questions Brighton Was Told Not to Ask

    The NHS Sussex investigation into gender-related hormone treatment at WellBN in Brighton revealed significant care failings, affecting 78 children. Many prescriptions lacked necessary consultations and monitoring. Questions of safeguarding were disregarded, highlighting the need for thorough examination of concerns before dismissing them as baseless. Institutional scrutiny is essential for child safety.

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  • Ask your school

    Ask your school

    Recent developments, including the Cass Review, the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland, updated Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance and changes to national safeguarding expectations, mean many schools are reviewing policies relating to sex, privacy, safeguarding and parental involvement.

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  • EHRC Draft Guidance and Safeguarding in Schools: What Governors Must Now Understand

    The draft Equality Act 2010 Code of Practice clarifies that “sex” refers to biological sex and legitimizes single-sex provisions in schools, emphasizing safeguarding. School governors must ensure policies are legally compliant, document decisions, and prioritize privacy and safety. The shift from ambiguity to accountability requires thorough risk assessments and justifiable practices.

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