Professional registration for custodial care staff
As the Inquiry set out in its Interim Report, professional registration of the workforce in settings responsible for the care of vulnerable children complements regulation of institutions by a separate, independent regulator. The government has agreed in principle that professional regulation of staff in children's homes in England could provide an effective additional means of protecting children. It has indicated that it will be conducting an evidence-gathering exercise to inform further action. The Chair and Panel now recommend that the Ministry of Justice introduces arrangements for the professional registration of staff in roles responsible for the care of children in young offender institutions and secure training centres. The Interim Report recommendation already applies to staff working with children in secure children's homes.
- In May 2023, the government stated that it accepted the need for registration of the youth custody workforce and was exploring implementation proposals (Government Response to IICSA Final Report, HM Government, May 2023).
- No published professional registration scheme for the youth custody workforce has been identified to March 2026.
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartOn 5 November 2021, the Ministry of Justice stated that it had reviewed the evidence it collected through a targeted consultation on professional registration. On 4 May 2022, the Ministry of Justice stated that it is considering the review. A second Inquiry recommendation on the professional registration of staff in young offender institutions and secure training centres was made (see row 66).
Progress Timeline
April 2025 government progress update: the Government will undertake a programme of work to improve safeguarding and build workforce capability in the youth justice estate, reviewing recruitment, training and qualifications for staff working with children with complex needs.