Position of trust

A legal concept. Teachers, coaches, and care workers can't have sexual contact with under-18s in their care, even if they're over 16.

A position of trust is when an adult like a teacher, coach, or care worker has authority over a young person. It's against the law for that adult to have any sexual contact with someone under 18 in their care, even if that person is over 16.

Simplify

A position of trust is a legal concept that means certain adults — like teachers, coaches, youth workers, and care workers — are not allowed to have sexual contact with anyone under 18 who is in their care. This applies even if the young person is over the (16). The law recognises that these adults have power and influence over the young people they work with, and that this makes genuine more complicated.

A position of trust means an adult has authority or influence over a young person through their role.
It's illegal for someone in a position of trust to have sexual activity with an under-18 in their care — even if the young person is 16 or 17.
This covers teachers, sports coaches, youth workers, care home staff, social workers, and others.
The law was extended in 2022 to include sports coaches and religious leaders. [CHECK: exact date and scope of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 provisions]
The law exists because a power imbalance makes it harder for a young person to freely consent.

Who it covers

Under the (as amended), the following people are in a position of trust in relation to someone under 18:

Teachers and school staff — anyone working in a school or educational setting where the young person is a student
Care workers — including staff in children's homes, foster carers, and social workers
Sports coaches — added to the law more recently, covering anyone coaching or instructing someone under 18 in a sporting context
Religious leaders — those in a position of religious authority over a young person
Youth workers and mentors — people working with young people in structured settings

[CHECK: full current list of positions covered after 2022 amendments]

The key principle is that the adult has a role that gives them authority, influence, or access to the young person. This creates a power dynamic where the young person may not feel able to say no, even if they think they want the relationship.

Why the age of consent isn't enough

The age of consent is 16. So why does this law apply until 18? Because consent isn't just about age — it's about power. A 17-year-old can legally have sex with another 17-year-old, or with a 25-year-old they met at a party. But a 17-year-old can't consent to sex with their teacher, their football coach, or their care worker — because the relationship between them isn't equal.

The adult in a position of trust holds authority over the young person's life — grades, team selection, care decisions, references. That power makes it impossible to separate a "consensual" sexual relationship from the influence the adult already has. Even if the young person initiates it, the adult is the one who should know better and maintain the boundary.

What it looks like when it goes wrong

Abuse of a position of trust doesn't always look like what people imagine. It might start with special attention, favours, private messages, or a feeling of being "chosen." The adult might tell the young person they're mature for their age, that the rules don't apply to them, or that other people wouldn't understand their connection. This is — and the position of trust makes it more effective because the adult already has access and credibility.

If a teacher, coach, or other trusted adult is making you feel special in a way that's also secretive, sexual, or makes you uncomfortable — trust that instinct.

Things people get wrong

"If I'm 16, I can consent to anyone." Not if the other person is in a position of trust over you. The law specifically recognises that the power dynamic changes things.

"If I'm the one who started it, it's not their fault." The responsibility lies with the adult. They're the one in a position of power, and they're the one the law holds accountable. Even if a young person initiates contact, the adult is expected to maintain the boundary.

"It only counts if they're my direct teacher or coach." The law is broader than that. It covers anyone in a relevant professional role in relation to you — not just the person who teaches your specific class or runs your specific team.

Things people ask about position of trust

What if we genuinely like each other?

The law doesn't allow for exceptions based on feelings. The adult has a legal and professional duty not to engage in sexual activity with a young person in their care. If the feelings are genuine, they can wait until the person is 18 and the professional relationship has ended.

What if the person is only a few years older than me?

The age gap doesn't matter — it's the role that matters. A 22-year-old teaching assistant has the same legal obligation as a 50-year-old headteacher. The position of trust is about the power of the role, not the age of the adult.

What should I do if this is happening to me?

Talk to someone you trust — a parent, another teacher, a friend, or a helpline. What's happening isn't your fault. The adult is the one breaking the law, not you.

Where to get help

Childline (0800 1111) — free, confidential support for under-19s. You can talk about anything, including concerns about an adult in your life.
NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) — for anyone concerned about a child or young person, including if you want to report concerns about an adult's behaviour.
The police (101 non-emergency, 999 emergency) — abuse of a position of trust is a criminal offence and can be reported.

A position of trust is a legal idea. It means that certain adults — like teachers, sports coaches, youth workers, and care workers — have power and influence over the young people they work with. Because of that power, the law says they are not allowed to have any sexual contact with anyone under 18 who is in their care.

This is true even if the young person is 16 or 17 and legally old enough to agree to sex with other people. The law recognises that the power the adult has over them — like giving grades, picking teams, or making care decisions — makes it impossible for the relationship to be truly equal.

It doesn't matter who started it. Even if the young person made the first move, the adult is the one with the responsibility to say no. That's what the law expects.

Abuse of a position of trust doesn't always look obvious. It might start with special attention, private messages, or being told you're "different" or "mature for your age." If an adult in your life is treating you in a way that feels secretive or sexual, trust your instincts.

If this is happening to you, it's not your fault. The adult is the one breaking the law. You can talk to someone you trust, call Childline on 0800 1111, or tell the police.

Consent

Freely given, informed agreement to sexual activity. It must be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any point.

Consent means saying yes to something because you want to, not because someone made you. You can change your mind at any time.

Age of consent

The legal age at which a person can agree to sexual activity. In the UK it's 16.

The age when the law says you can agree to have sex. In the UK, it is 16.

Grooming

When someone builds a relationship with a young person to manipulate and exploit them, often sexually.

Grooming is when someone builds a friendship or relationship with a young person on purpose, so they can control or take advantage of them later. It can happen online or in person. It's a crime.