The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is holding a public hearing in the Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings investigation from 16 - 27 March.

This hearing will examine child protection policies and safeguarding cultures in religious organisations in England and Wales.

These include Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists, Methodists, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and non-conformist Christian denominations.

Evidence will be heard from a wide range of witnesses, including complainants, victims and survivors, religious organisations, local authorities, charities, central government and third sector bodies who provide training and support in this field.

This investigation will focus on the measures religious organisations employ to keep children safe from sexual abuse and to properly handle safeguarding concerns.

The hearing will take place from 10am to 4.15pm at the Inquiry’s hearing centre, 18 Pocock Street, London SE1 0BW.

The timetable for the first week is available here.

Public hearings are streamed ‘live’ (subject to a three minute delay) on the Inquiry’s YouTube channel and website www.iicsa.org.uk/live. The transcripts will be available on the website a few hours after the end of each hearing day. Due to the coronavirus, the Inquiry is encouraging members of the press and public to watch the hearings online where possible, and please do not attend in person if you are feeling ill.