In advance of today’s Goldsmid ward by-election, PSHEbrighton wrote to all candidates seeking their views on safeguarding, evidence standards and the implications of the recent NHS investigation into WellBN.
We also previously wrote to school governors across Brighton & Hove regarding safeguarding concerns raised by parents over a number of years.
Despite the publication of a major NHS report identifying serious failings in the treatment of children and young people experiencing gender-related distress, we received only one response from a Goldsmid by-election candidate, Luke Willmoth.
We are grateful to Mr Willmoth for taking the time to engage, regardless of whether residents agree with all of his views.
More striking, however, is the wider silence.
Parents, clinicians and residents have repeatedly raised questions about safeguarding, professional curiosity and accountability in Brighton & Hove. Those questions have become more pressing, not less, following publication of the WellBN investigation.
Yet many of the public bodies and office-holders responsible for oversight have remained reluctant to engage directly with those concerns.
PSHEbrighton believes that safeguarding questions should never be treated as politically inconvenient. Public confidence depends upon a willingness to answer difficult questions openly, particularly when concerns have been raised consistently over a number of years.
We remain willing to meet and engage constructively with elected representatives, candidates, governors and public bodies from across the political spectrum.
ENDS
PSHEbrighton’s Questions to Candidates
Dear Candidate,
I am writing on behalf of PSHE Brighton, a non-party-political group of parents, carers, and professionals concerned with safeguarding, evidence-based practice, and accountability in schools.
Please find attached two documents for your consideration:
Our Questions to Candidates for the Goldsmid By-Election 2026
A short campaign briefing flyer outlining the issues being raised by local parents
We wish to emphasise that the matters raised are not about proposing new policy frameworks, but about the application of existing law. The legal position in relation to safeguarding, single-sex provision, and parental involvement is already set out in statute and supporting guidance. Recent developments—including the Cass Review, the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland, and updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission—serve to clarify and reinforce the correct interpretation of that existing framework, rather than to introduce new obligations.
In particular, the EHRC draft Code of Practice does not create new law. It provides guidance on how organisations should implement the Equality Act 2010 in practice, including the lawful operation of single-sex services and facilities. In the context of schools, this sits alongside existing statutory requirements governing school premises and safeguarding duties.
We would therefore be grateful if you could provide brief responses to the questions set out in the attached document, which focus on:
transparency around single-sex facilities in schools
parental involvement in matters relating to social transition
the review of local authority guidance in light of current law
safeguarding oversight and accountability
engagement with concerned parents and carers
We intend to share candidate responses with local residents to support informed engagement ahead of the by-election.
If possible, we would appreciate your response by Friday, June 19th 2026.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely
PSHEbrighton’s flyer to Goldsmid residents
PSHEbrighton’s Letter to School Governors
Dear Clerk to the Governors,
We write to ask that the attached Open Letter be formally circulated to all members of the Governing Body. A hard copy of the letter is also being sent via Royal Mail.
The letter addresses recent developments in safeguarding, statutory duty, and legal accountability, particularly in light of the Cass Review, relevant case law, and updated Department for Education guidance. It is intended to assist governors in discharging their responsibilities under Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 and to ensure that current risks are properly identified, recorded, and addressed at board level.
Given the nature of the issues raised, I would be grateful if this could be:
- shared with all governors in full
- noted for consideration at the next governing body meeting
- recorded as a matter of safeguarding governance
This is not a policy submission, but a governance-focused briefing highlighting areas where legal and regulatory expectations have materially evolved.
Please confirm once the letter has been circulated.Yours sincerely,
The Founders & Families of
PSHE Brighton
