Reports & recommendations
67 recommendations, each with the government response on the record. Filter by government response or delivery status.
Reports (1)
| Title | Volume | Publication Date | Recommendations | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Southport Inquiry Report: Phase 1 | - | 13 Apr 2026 | 67 |
Recommendations (7)
Single agency for high-risk children
Phase 2 should consider what single agency or structure should be appointed or established to record, monitor and co-ordinate interventions for children and young people who present a high risk of serious harm. This must be matched with cultural change so that agencies are prepared to own and manage risk appropriately not just refer it on to others.
The Inquiry asked Phase 2 to consider establishing a single agency for high-risk children. In an April 2026 press release, Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, noted the recommendation for a lead agency to be considered in Phase 2 (Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Apr 2026). She stated in April 2026 that the board fully supports clearer ownership of risk, adding that this must be reinforced by professional curiosity and responsibility (Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Apr 2026).
Shared multi-agency risk-assessment tool
Phase 2 should consider the development of a shared multi‑agency risk‑assessment tool that is clear, accessible and suitable for use across public sector services.
Internet access restrictions for high-risk children
Phase 2 should consider whether there should be a further ability to restrict or monitor access to the internet on the part of children and young people, if a significant threshold is passed concerning the risk they pose to others.
Archery bow age verification and restrictions
Phase 2 should consider whether conventional archery bows should be subject to age‑verification prior to sale, delivery restrictions including ID checks, mandatory labelling for deliveries, and industry or trading standards to prevent the use of military‑style imagery in marketing.
VPN age verification
Phase 2 should consider age verification for the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) software and other options to avoid VPNs being used to circumvent the age-related protections in the Online Safety Act 2023.
Community mental health services for violence-fixated children
Phase 2 should consider the ability of community and forensic mental health services to deliver clinical interventions to mitigate the risk from violence fixated children and young people.
Mental health assessment powers for isolated children
Phase 2 should consider whether further legislative change is required to allow mental health clinicians to assess children and young people who are isolated from professional support and may pose a risk of violence, particularly where powers under the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended by the Mental Health Act 2025, do not permit assessment or detention.