Crime and Policing Bill proposals to implement Child Sexual Abuse recommendations

The Government has set out plans to implement key recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). 

Measures in the Crime and Policing Bill will: 

(a) Introduce a new statutory duty for individuals undertaking key roles with responsibility for children and young people in England to report sexual abuse when they are made aware of it. 

(b) Create a new criminal offence of obstructing an individual from making a report under the duty. 

(c) Remove the supervision exemption from the definition of regulated activity so relevant roles are eligible for the highest level of check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, regardless of whether they are supervised or not. 

(d) Legislate to make grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences. The presence of an aggravating factor means that the offending is more serious, so that a more substantial penalty may be justified. Where a sentencing court concludes that a child sex offence involved or was facilitated by grooming behaviour, it will be obliged to treat this as an aggravating factor. This will include (but is not limited to) offences committed by individuals involved in grooming gangs. 

(e) Remove the three-year limitation period for personal injury claims brought by victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in respect of their abuse.

(f) Reversing the burden of proof meaning it will be for the defendant (rather than the claimant as at present) to establish that it is not possible for a fair hearing to take place, while ensuring the express protection of the right of the defendant to a fair trial.

The “How are we going to do it?” section of the Crime and Policing Bill 2025 factsheet on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommendations outlines the UK government’s legislative response to key IICSA recommendations. Here’s a concise summary:

How the Government Plans to Implement the IICSA Recommendations

1. Mandatory Reporting
   The Bill introduces a new legal duty requiring certain professionals (like teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers) to report child sexual abuse if they are informed of it or witness clear evidence. This aims to ensure timely intervention and protect children from further harm.

2. Failure to Report Offence
   A new criminal offence will be created for those who fail to report child sexual abuse when legally required. This is intended to reinforce accountability among professionals and institutions.

3. Strengthening the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
   The Bill enhances the DBS regime to better prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children. It includes provisions to improve information sharing and decision-making processes.

4. Improved Data Sharing and Oversight
   Measures will be introduced to improve how safeguarding information is shared across agencies, ensuring better protection and oversight.

5. Support for Victims and Survivors
   The Bill supports a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that victims and survivors are treated with dignity and receive appropriate support throughout the justice process.