Code of Practice on Records Access
The Inquiry recommends that the UK government directs the Information Commissioner's Office to introduce a code of practice on retention of and access to records known to relate to child sexual abuse. The retention period for records known to relate to allegations or cases of child sexual abuse should be 75 years with appropriate review periods. The code should set out that institutions should have: retention policies that reflect the importance of such records to victims and survivors, and that they may take decades to seek to access such records; clear and accessible procedures for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to access such records; policies, procedures and training for staff responding to requests to ensure that they recognise the long-term impact of child sexual abuse and engage with the applicant with empathy.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedWe accept the importance of access to records. We will engage with the Information Commissioner’s Office on implementing this recommendation.
The Government will lay regulations in Autumn 2025 instructing the Information Commissioner's Office to produce a code of practice on the retention of personal data relating to child sexual abuse. The Code cannot mandate organisations to keep such records for 75 years but will include best practice guidance. The Government remains open to legislating if the Code does not have the desired effect.
Progress Timeline
Directing Information Commissioner's Office to produce code of practice on records retention. Regulations to be laid in Autumn 2025.