Who we are

The Sex Education Forum is the national authority on sex and relationships education (SRE). It is a unique collaboration of over 90 members and 750 practitioners with representatives from health, education, faith , disability and children's organisations.  We believe that ALL children and young people have the right to good SRE and this website aims to provide all professionals involved in SRE with the information they need to ensure this right.

We identify ourselves as the leader, authority and trusted voice on SRE, and all our work on SRE is underpinned by 

  • A rights-based approach
  • The expressed needs of children and young people
  • An evidence base


The Forum has an agreed Statement of Principles and Values which underpins quality SRE.

The leaflet 'Working together for quality sex and relationships education' includes a brief summary of what the Forum does.

'Understanding sex and relationships education' sets out what SRE is, why it is important and the principles and values that should underpin good quality SRE.

The Forum is hosted by NCB and managed by a Coordinator. An Advisory Group of 8 elected members informs, supports and guides the work of the Forum on behalf of its members. Current post-holders are listed below:

Advisory Group

  • Chair: Jane Lees, representing NSCoPSE
  • Natalie Collyer, representing Brook
  • Lydia Malmedie, representing Stonewall
  • Clare Laxton, representing FPA
  • Guy Slade, representing THT
  • Leonie Hodge, representing Family Lives
  • Rachel Gardner, representing Romance Academy
  • Alice Hoyle, representing PSHE Association
  • Anna Martinez, representing SEF

Forum members

See the list of members for details of all Forum members.

Forum history

The Forum was established in 1987 in an era of great negativity towards sex education and has grown and developed through a time of cultural shifts and policy changes. Sex education has now become sex and relationships education (SRE), signalling that children and young people are entitled to more than just the biological basics! The focus has expanded from schools to include home, care, health, community, youth and secure settings.

In this short film, Anna Martinez, Coordinator of the Forum, explains what schools are required to teach in SRE lessons, and talks about how changes to the curriculum can make sure that all children and young people learn what they need to know about sex and relationships.

video clip provided by TrueTube