Recommendation FR-5: Prohibit Pain Compliance Techniques
From The Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, published 20 October 2022.
Recommendation
The Inquiry recommends (as originally stated in its Sexual Abuse of Children in Custodial Institutions: 2009-2017 Investigation Report, dated February 2019) that the UK government prohibits the use of any technique that deliberately induces pain (previously referred to by the Inquiry as 'pain compliance techniques') by withdrawing all policy permitting its use in custodial institutions in which children are detained, and setting out that this practice is prohibited by way of regulation.
In brief (written by this site)
In a January 2026 parliamentary answer, Jake Richards, Minister, answering for the Ministry of Justice, confirmed that the government rejected the recommendation and "will not be introducing legislation", stating that staff must be able to use these techniques as a last resort in emergencies to protect children and staff (Jake Richards, Jan 2026). HM Government had earlier reported in an April 2025 progress update that it would work with the Youth Custody Service on staff training and maintain oversight through an Independent Restraint Review Panel (Home Office, Apr 2025). It had first stated in May 2023 that custodial staff must be trained in safe pain-inducing techniques to prevent children from self-harming or causing physical harm to others (Home Office response, May 2023).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
It is essential that staff are equipped to keep children safe in custodial institutions. That is why they must be trained in the use of safe pain-inducing techniques for scenarios where they may need to prevent children from self-harming or causing physical harm to other children.
Delivery
Ministry of Justice says not accepted (21 January 2026)
The Government rejected recommendation 5 from the Inquiry and will not be introducing legislation. Where physical safety of all children and staff in custody is concerned, it is important that trained staff are able to use these techniques, as a last resort in an emergency, to bring an incident to a safe conclusion.
Site note: Ministry of Justice written answer of 21 January 2026. Its first paragraph reports on professional registration for staff in youth custody (recommendation 8 of the final report), and its second on recommendation 5; each is recorded on its own recommendation.
UK Government says not accepted (9 April 2025)
The Government recognises the particular vulnerability of children in custody but to protect all children in custody, and staff, where physical safety is at significant risk, it is important that trained staff are able to use these techniques, as a last resort in an emergency, to bring an incident to a safe conclusion. We will work with the Youth Custody Service to ensure that staff continue to be appropriately trained in their safe use and that independent oversight, through an Independent Restraint Review Panel, ensures scrutiny and transparency over all uses of these techniques.
From: Tackling child sexual abuse: progress update (accessible version)
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response, delivery statement - Ministry of Justice
Delivery statement