Key role on NSPCC committee for expert

Professor of Criminology at the University of East London, Julia Davidson has joined the policy committee at the leading children’s charity, the NSPCC. In her new role, she will advise the charity on the political, economic and social context for its work protecting children, especially as it relates to existing and proposed legislation as well as emerging research and the findings of safeguarding bodies, regulators, inspectorates and the courts. 

Professor Davidson, who also serves as the director of UEL’s Institute for Connected Communities, is one of the UK's foremost experts on policy and practice in children and young people's use of digital media and online harm. She has worked in the child sexual abuse and exploitation field with abuse survivors, practitioners and policy makers for over 30 years. 

Professor Davidson commented,

I am delighted to take on this role. I have worked with NSPCC colleagues for many years, their work in safeguarding the most vulnerable children and young people is recognised nationally and internationally. UEL has a considerable body of research in this area and I look forward to sharing my expertise and contributing to the important work of the policy committee.” 

A spokesperson for the NSPCC said, “We are delighted to welcome Professor Davidson to the committee. At the NSPCC we stand up for all children, influencing policy and decision-makers to better protect children and young people. Our policy, research, influencing, and campaigning work helps bring about the changes we want to see across the UK and the Channel Islands. Being independent – relying on the public to fund our work – means we can push for change when others may be unable to do this. 

“Our current strategy sets out three impact goals: 

• Everyone plays their part in preventing child abuse. 
• Every child is safe online. 
• Children feel safe, listened to, and supported. 

“As part of the governance of the NSPCC, the policy committee plays an essential role in helping us achieve these goals.” 

As part of her research, Professor Davidson has worked with the NSPCC previously. One of the NSPCC’s key strategic goals is to “transform the online world so it is safe for children to go online.”