38 Response Accepted Self-assessed

Government department safeguarding policy reviews

Recommendation

The Cabinet Office must ensure that each government department reviews its child safeguarding policy or policies in light of the expert witness report of Professor Thoburn. There must also be published procedures to accompany their policies, in order that staff know how to enact their department's policy. All government departments must update their safeguarding policies and procedures regularly, and obtain expert safeguarding advice when doing this.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Civil Service HR, a model safeguarding policy and a 'Health Check' process were launched for government departments, with a survey in August 2021 indicating departmental use and providing assurance. The UK government confirmed in September 2020 that all departments were aware of Professor Thoburn's report. No further published evidence has been identified since May 2023.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation requires implementation across many organisations. The assessment reflects central policy response, not adoption in individual organisations.
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Section Reference
E
Response
Accepted
Accepted UK Government
22 May 2023

On 18 September 2020, the UK government confirmed that all government departments were aware of Professor Thoburn's report. It also stated that Civil Service HR had launched a model safeguarding policy and 'Health Check' process, which enables departments to check their own procedures and practices to ensure they are fit for purpose. On 25 August 2021, Civil Service HR stated that they had conducted a survey to review departmental use of the model policy and 'Health Check' and that it gave assurance of progress in the Civil Service.

Read Full Response
Source
Inquiry IICSA
Report Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Linked to Westminster Investigation Report 25 Feb 2020
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Cabinet Office Primary
Themes & Tags
Care safeguarding systems No mandatory child abuse reporting Staff policy awareness Government Departments Safeguarding Policy
Recommendation age 6.1 yrs
Last formal update 1037 days ago