FR-14 Response Accepted in Part AI-assessed

Victim Code Compliance

Recommendation

The Inquiry recommends (as originally stated in its Interim Report, dated April 2018) that the UK government commissions a joint inspection of compliance with the Victims' Code in relation to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, to be undertaken by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, His Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the government, it has asked the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates (CJJI) to prioritise an inspection on the experiences of child sexual abuse victims in the criminal justice system, including Victims' Code compliance, for their 2025-27 Business Plan (Gov.uk progress update, 8 April 2025). This builds on a previous intention for the 2023-25 programme. However, Professor Alexis Jay stated in January 2025 that none of IICSA's final recommendations had been implemented as of December 2024 (Home Affairs Select Committee, 21 January 2025).
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
Jurisdiction
England
Section Reference
K.6
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part UK Government
22 May 2023

We accept the need to ensure compliance with the Victims Code. The Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates have included an inspection on the ‘experiences of victims of child sexual abuse of the criminal justice system’ in their 2023-25 inspection programme, with Code compliance proposed to feature. We will also consider this recommendation through the Victims and Prisoners Bill, with complementary measures to improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system.

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Progress Timeline
Official Report
08 Apr 2025

Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates commissioned for priority inspection on Victims' Code compliance. Business plan inclusion expected spring 2025, with inspection in 2025-27 period.

Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

No Meaningful Progress
21 Jan 2025
Home Affairs Select Committee Select Committee

Professor Alexis Jay told Home Affairs Committee that £187m was spent on IICSA and "to date none of its final recommendations had been implemented." Called for "full implementation" saying "get it done."

View detailed findings

As of December 2024, none of the 20 final report recommendations had been implemented. The previous government's response was described by Prof Jay as "very weak and, at times, apparently disingenuous."

Home Affairs Committee hearing, 21 January 2025 View Source
Source
Inquiry IICSA
Report The Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse 20 Oct 2022
Responsible Bodies
UK Government Primary
Recommendation age 3.4 yrs
Last formal update 08 Apr 2025