Cabinet-Level Minister for Children
The Inquiry recommends that the UK government creates a cabinet-level ministerial position for children. The Inquiry recommends that the Welsh Government ensures that there is cabinet-level ministerial responsibility for children.
- No published dedicated cabinet-level Minister for Children post distinct from the Secretary of State for Education has been created to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedWe accept the importance of placing the best interests of the child front and centre in policy and decision making at the highest level of Government. This role is already fulfilled through the work of the Secretary of State for Education.
Progress Timeline
Secretary of State for Education designated as Cabinet minister for children. New Keeping Children Safe ministerial board established to coordinate cross-government action on child protection.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
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."