At heart, we aim to prevent further sexual abuse,
working towards no more victims
Our Values
Safety
Responsibility
Inclusiveness
Community Involvement
Growth & Learning
Individuality & Respect
We have
Commitment and Hope
We believe sexual abuse is serious, unacceptable and preventable and are dedicated to working in a way that fosters hope and supports these beliefs.
We have
Respect
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and show respect to everyone we interact with.
We are
Reflective
We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value and show respect to everyone we interact with.
We are
Open and Transparent
We openly discuss and challenge sexual harm, respecting the survivor’s experience, and our work with perpetrators seeks to raise awareness and advocate for change.
We are
Responsive
We understand that trends in sexual abuse evolve, and our work must adapt to emerging forms of abuse, the latest research, and best practices in the field.
We have
Integrity
We uphold ethics and professionalism and base our work on research evidence.
We are
Relational
We collaborate with our beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders, believing that working together strengthens us and helps us achieve more.
We do this by...
Our Impact
Activities
* figures are for Circles delivery 23/24 (01.04.23 – 31.03.24)
Impact
Profile
* Percentages refer to profile of Core Members at start of Circle from 01.04.20 – 31.03.24
History of Circles
* Learning Difficulties and Autism Spectrum Condition
**Circles ReBoot is an adapted Circle for individuals who access Child Sexual Exploitation Material
Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles) provide a community based approach to the support and management of people with harmful sexual behaviours living in the community.
The Mennonite Church in Canada first established Circles in 1994 when the Reverend Harry Nigh, set up a support network for an offender with a long history of sexually abusing children who was leaving prison without statutory supervision and assessed as high risk of reoffending. This first Circle led to the development of a movement which expanded across Canada and then internationally to the USA, to England and Wales and from there expanded into Europe (see ‘What are Circles’ and ‘CirclesEurope’ for more information).
Circles were introduced to the UK in 2002 by the Religious Society of Friends (The Quakers) and government funding was acquired for a pilot project in Hampshire and the Thames Valley and a national pilot run by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
In 2008 Circles UK, was set up as the national umbrella organisation for the development and delivery of Circles provision (see What we do).
Today there are Circles Providers covering much of England and Wales (see Local Providers), with Circles also being delivered in parts of Europe (see CirclesEurope).
Trustees and Core Staff
Riana Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Jude Thomas
National Development Manager
Claire Ashley
National Quality Manager
Heather Curnow
Office/Business Manager
Lynn Taylor
Information Officer
Nigel Barnes
(Chair)
Dr Rebecca Milner
(Trustee)
Simon Bailey
(Trustee)
Christiane Glennie
(Treasurer)
Justine Caroll
(Trustee)
Asha Odedra
(Trustee)
Gareth Williams
(Trustee)
Para Mullan
(Trustee)
Dr Calvin Pike
(Chair)
Annual Review Summaries
Recognition of Circles
A snapshot of some of the recognition of Circles provision and the work of Circles UK
Circles UK was awarded the prestigious Longford Prize in 2010 in recognition of “…Circles UK‘s courage, commitment and innovation in working…with [people convicted of harmful sexual behaviour], one of the most marginalised groups in our society. Circles UK brings together voluntary and statutory partners, including victims’ groups, in a constructive alternative response which provides a greater opportunity for preventing further crime, [rehabilitation], and achieving safer communities for us all.”
Circles UK was awarded the Social Care & Welfare Award in recognition of the excellent work it does in the most challenging, controversial areas of offender rehabilitation, and the effective way in which the work of Circles has helped to reduce sexual re-offending and create safer communities. “The judges singled out those charities whose excellence in charity management they felt will inspire others. Circles UK is an excellent organisation [and] the award is richly deserved” Daniel Phelan, 2011.
Circles UK won the Criminal Justice Alliance Award for Outstanding Organisation in 2019. ‘Circles UK are doing important work with those that few care to, offering rehabilitation, support and the potential to prevent future victimisation’.
Circles UK was shortlisted for a Third Sector Award in 2024, in the category ‘Best Service Delivery Innovation’ for Circles ReBoot (a Circle designed specifically for individuals who access child sexual exploitation material) – ‘Circles ReBoot to address a growing epidemic of Online Sexual Abuse’ View the full shortlist here.