Source: The Charity Commission published on this website Friday 12 June 2026 by Jill Powell

The regulators are advising members of the public to follow this latest guidance so that people can fundraise in a way that protects themselves and the charity they are raising money for.

Each year, almost a third of sector income is raised from donations and legacies, including fundraising by the public.

The guide sets out practical steps for anyone thinking about setting up a fundraising appeal, including in response to an emergency. It is important that people follow the guidance because, when someone decides to raise money for charity they, not the charity, are responsible for ensuring the money goes where intended.

The steps include advising people to fundraise for a named charity from the outset, and to be transparent in all communications about what the money is being raised for, including the charity’s name and registered number.

While the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator already publish advice for members of the public to give safely when donating to good causes, this is the first time the regulators have published joint guidance for people looking to fundraise for charity.

The guidance recommends fundraisers:

• set a clear target and time limit for their appeal
• tell donors upfront about any expenses that will be deducted before funds are passed on to the charity
• use a reputable online fundraising platform over a personal bank account

Individuals can find a full list of steps in the guidance as well as advice on making contingency plans if circumstances change.

The regulators want members of the public to follow the guidance, explaining that taking care before setting up appeals can help them avoid problems later down the line. This includes unnecessary administrative steps (involving the regulators) or potential public criticism, for example that money isn’t reaching the end cause quickly enough. Taking care can help protect public trust and avoid the risk that an appeal is seen to be fraudulent.

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said:

“The British public are some of the most generous people in the world, whether they’re donating time or money. We see some truly inspiring acts every day - from running marathons to running community-led memory cafes for people managing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

“When you’re fundraising for a cause you care about, it’s important to know your legal responsibilities. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Fundraising Regulator to create this guide — helping you raise money for your chosen charity in a way that’s legal, ethical, and effective.”

Gerald Oppenheim, CEO, at the Fundraising Regulator said:

“Fundraising by members of the public makes an invaluable contribution to the charity sector each year. Whether raising money through sponsored challenges, community events or emergency appeals, fundraisers have an important responsibility to ensure donations reach their intended cause.”

This guidance gives members of the public the practical information they need to follow the law, build trust with donors and avoid problems that could prevent charities from accessing funds quickly and effectively. We encourage anyone planning a fundraising appeal to read the guidance before they begin.

The full guide can be found on gov.uk.

Source Home Office published on this website Wednesday 10 June 2026 by Jill Powell

Britain will become the first country in the world where it is impossible for children to take, share or view naked pictures on their devices.

Under the new plans, Big Tech companies like Apple and Google must activate built-in features or implement technical solutions on smartphones and tablets to detect and block nude images for children, the Prime Minister announced in a speech at London Tech Week today (Monday 8 June).

This will prevent predators from being able to exploit and abuse victims through their devices, as well as stopping children from being able to access pornography. Adults will still be able to take, share or view nude content through an age verification process.

Now is the time for tech companies to step up and work with government to solve this horrific issue. If companies do not act within 3 months, the government will bring forward legislation to force them to activate the technology. This will include fines for companies. Nothing is off the table, and as a last resort we are exploring criminal liability for tech bosses who fail to comply.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“When it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option. Nobody gets a free pass. That is why I’m making sure Britain is the first country in the world to make it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images.

“And I expect tech firms to make that happen. This is not an impossible challenge – these are some of the most innovative companies in the world. But if they choose not to, then we will act and change the law.”

The changes will apply to UK devices, including both existing and newly sold smartphones and tablets. Legislation could cover operating system providers and others in the supply chain, such as retailers, and will not affect the use of devices owned and used by adults who verify their age.

These measures build on progress already made in the UK. Since the publication of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, Apple has already taken significant steps to combat this harm and shown the art of the possible, launching world-first features in the UK.

Apple recently introduced age checks for iPhone users, making it the first company to activate safety features by default for those who are not verified as over 18. This is a significant step forward following the government’s commitments to work with industry, and one this announcement builds on.

Despite this, the nudity detection is not applied to the camera or broader apps, third-party messaging services, or search functions, meaning children can still take, view, share and save nude images. The government therefore wants Apple and Google to block nudity across the whole device by default, so they can only be deactivated via age assurance.

Alongside the changes announced today, the consultation on children’s use of social media has now closed, with more than 100,000 responses received from parents, young people and experts. The government will publish its response soon and will continue working with international partners to tackle this shared global challenge to drive better protections for children online

91% of online child sexual abuse reports recorded in 2024 contained self-generated content from children themselves and the average child now views pornography by age 13. The effects of this can have long lasting impacts on young people’s lives and contributes to abuse in younger relationships, with 39% of teenagers aged 13–17 experiencing emotional or physical abuse from a partner.

Child sexual abuse material and pornography are also increasing misogyny and the normalisation of harmful sexual behaviour. 52% of all child sexual abuse and exploitation cases involve children aged 10–17 offending against other children.

Measures to protect children already exist within smartphones and tablets, but are applied inconsistently, often switched off by default and only blurring content rather than blocking it. But the government is working closely with technology companies – some of whom, like Apple, have already taken steps to implement protective features – to make this goal a reality.

Companies must introduce these measures without threatening privacy or collecting any data. The device should simply block harmful content across all apps and services. Over-18s will still be able to view adult content by providing proof of age.

British safety tech firm SafeToNet has shown this change is already achievable, with software that blocks nude content and prevents images being taken if the camera detects a child.

The Online Safety Act was a landmark step forward in holding companies to account, but the government is clear that more must be done. Big Tech has the money and capability to put a stop to this. Online harms must be confronted with the same urgency as offline abuse.

This announcement makes clear that, in the modern world, the technology industry is central to this mission. Protecting children from sexual abuse should not be optional – it is a moral duty.

Source: South Yorkshire Police published on this website Thursday 11 July 2026 by Jill Powell

Today (Thursday 11 June) a man has been handed a sentence of 32-years in prison after seven girls bravely testified about the horrific abuse they were subjected to.

Bawan Hawre was found guilty following a four-week long trial at Sheffield Crown Court, for a string of offences relating to child sexual exploitation. The jury reached their verdict on Tuesday (9 June) after only one day of deliberating.

During the trial the second defendant, Sharam Muhamadi, was also found guilty of multiple modern slavery offences.

The dedicated investigation was led by the multi-agency investigation team in Barnsley, BSAFE, with colleagues from SYP’s Barnsley Child Sexual Exploitation Team and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

The investigation began in August 2024, after one victim courageously disclosed the abuse she has endured. Six more girls were then identified through extensive enquiries.

Hawre used the fake name 'Karo', with Muhamadi using 'Jack', in all communication with the girls, initially making contact with them through a social media messaging platform where they offered them e-cigarettes and vapes.

The two men then arranged to meet the girls in person, where the girls were transported from Barnsley to Doncaster.

The jury heard how the girls were given alcohol and drugs, after which six of the girls were raped by Hawre.

During the sentencing today, some of the victim's personal statements were read out, highlighting the effects the disgusting abuse has had, and will continue to have, on their lives.

During her sentencing remarks, Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright commented on the bravery of the girls:

“[the girls have] shown incredible bravely coming forward. They have shown immeasurable courage giving evidence to the police and at court. Their bravery in speaking up knowing that they will be asked about intimate details is considerable and cannot be underestimated."

Bawan Hawre, 28, formerly of Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster, was sentenced to for:

• Six counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation
• Two counts of rape of a girl under 13
• Four counts of rape of a girl aged 13/14/15
• Two counts of adult meeting a girl under 16 years of age following grooming
• Two counts of false imprisonment
• Three counts of possession indecent images

A manhunt is currently underway to locate 21-year-old Sharam Muhamadi and we will not stop until we find him. Our officers have been working relentlessly, exploring every single line of enquiry with determination to secure justice for the victims. More detail on Muhamadi's whereabouts after he failed

Source: Department for Education published on this website Tuesday 9 June 2026

 Parents will soon get clear, practical guidance to help them manage their children’s screen use - which could include advice on when a child should get their first smartphone.  

At the same time, ministers are taking action to shape how technology is used in schools, helping children benefit from innovation while giving parents and teachers greater confidence that the tools used in classrooms are safe, effective and evidence-based.  

From scrolling and social media to sleep and learning, families are facing challenges previous generations never had. New guidance will offer practical, evidence‑based support for parents of children aged 5–16.  

Today, the government is launching a three‑week call for evidence to inform the guidance, which will be published this autumn. It will be informed by an independent expert group co‑chaired by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner.  
 The call for evidence will also seek views on screen use in schools, helping government build a complete picture of children’s digital lives and understand where technology can best support learning.  

The government is clear that technology is now part of childhood and can bring real benefits when used well - from learning and creativity to connection and support for children with SEND. That is why the guidance will avoid blanket rules and help families make informed choices, while wider reforms will ensure technology used in schools is safe, effective and supports better outcomes for children.  

The guidance builds on the government’s existing action to support children to thrive in the digital age. That includes a legal requirement for phone-free classrooms, the Online Safety Act, the first screen use guidance for parents of under-fives, and a consultation looking at everything – from a blanket ban to apps curfews and time limits.  

Over 110,000 people responded including parents and children, and the government is aiming to set out its response as soon as possible. 

Parents can see the difference. New polling published today shows that 86% support the government’s screen use guidance for under-fives, while 82% say it is already helping families build healthier habits for young children.  

The need for support is clear. While 96% of parents believe their child benefits from being online, fewer than three in ten think the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to social media, messaging and video-sharing platforms.  

The call for evidence will also seek views on screen use in schools, recognising that children’s digital lives span both home and education. Evidence gathered will help inform the new guidance as well as wider work to ensure technology used in classrooms supports learning, improves outcomes and protects children from harm.  

Alongside the guidance, the government, working with the Children’s Commissioner, is recruiting for a new AI Youth Advisory Board, giving young people a direct say in how emerging technologies affect their lives.  

Later this year, ministers will consult on new independent safety certification for some types of technology used in schools, including generative AI and filtering and monitoring products.  

On top of this, the government is also developing a clear framework on what good AI and technology products look like in practice and working with teachers and technology companies to co-design AI tools that could give up to 450,000 disadvantaged pupils access to tutoring support. Up to eight companies will work with partner schools to develop safe and effective products, with successful tools being made available to schools from 2027. 

This will mean schools can trust that the tools they buy have been independently checked and meet clear safety standards and are of sound quality- so teachers can focus on teaching, not on navigating a complex and fast-moving market.