Victim Code Compliance
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.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedWe 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.
The Government has asked the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates (CJJI) to include an inspection on the experiences of victims of child sexual abuse in the criminal justice system, including compliance with the Victims' Code, in their 2025-27 Business Plan as a priority. This would build on their 2023 inspection which looked at Victims' Code compliance for victims of other crime types.
Progress Timeline
Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates commissioned for priority inspection on Victims' Code compliance. Business plan inclusion expected spring 2025, with inspection in 2025-27 period.