Public Inquiry Recommendations

IR2-11 Accepted

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Interest on Past Losses

I recommend that interest be payable on awards for past financial losses and past provision of care, from the date of infection to the date of the award, in accordance …

- The Government stated in December 2024 that the compensation scheme aligns with the spirit of this recommendation and uses the GDP deflator to uplift …

IR2-12 Accepted Urgent

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Interim Payments for Bereaved Families

I recommend that an interim payment of £100,000 should be paid to recognise the deaths of people to date unrecognised and alleviate immediate suffering. This should be done as follows: …

- The Government stated in December 2024 that interim payments of £100,000 had been made to estates of deceased infected persons and to bereaved families …

IR2-13 Accepted

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Relationship with Support Schemes and Benefits

I recommend that, with regard to the relationship between compensation, support payments and benefits: a) in assessing compensation under the scheme, no account should be taken of any past payments …

- The Government stated in December 2024 that compensation payments are exempt from income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, and will be disregarded …

IR2-14 Accepted Urgent

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Arms Length Body Administration

I recommend that an Arms Length Body (ALB) should be set up to administer the compensation scheme, with guaranteed independence of judgement, chaired by a judge of High Court or …

- The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 Part 3 established the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) as a body corporate with guaranteed independence (Victims and …

IR2-15 Accepted

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Support Services for Applicants

I recommend that the scheme should include provision of the following support services to be provided without charge to the applicant: a) an advice and advocacy service, supplemented where necessary …

- The Government stated in December 2024 that it acknowledges the psychological harm caused and is committed to providing support services, including access to independent …

IR2-16 Accepted

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Central Delivery with Devolved Support

I recommend that the compensation scheme should be delivered by one central body, appropriately resourced and staffed. Current support schemes should however continue to be provided as at present by …

- The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 Part 3 established IBCA as the single central body to deliver the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme (Victims and …

IR2-17 Accepted Urgent

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Bespoke Psychological Service

I recommend that without delay steps be taken to provide a bespoke psychological service in England.

- The Government stated in December 2024 that it acknowledges the psychological harm caused and is committed to providing bespoke psychological support, referencing the Infected …

IR2-18 Accepted Urgent

Infected Blood Inquiry (2023)

Immediate Establishment of Scheme

I recommend that a compensation scheme should be set up now and it should begin work this year.

- The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024, establishing the legal framework for the compensation scheme (Victims and Prisoners …

FR-1 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Single Core Data Set

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government and the Welsh Government improve data collected by children's social care and criminal justice agencies concerning child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating that it would improve data collection through the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse …

FR-2 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Child Protection Authorities

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government establishes a Child Protection Authority for England and the Welsh Government establishes a Child Protection Authority for Wales. Each Authority's purpose should be …

- In May 2023, the government accepted the need for a stronger safeguarding system but stated it would strengthen existing mechanisms rather than create new …

FR-3 Accepted

IICSA (2022)

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.

- In May 2023, the government stated that the Secretary of State for Education already fulfils the cabinet-level role for children, and that a new …

FR-4 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Public Awareness Campaign

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government and the Welsh Government commission regular programmes of activity to increase public awareness about child sexual abuse and the action to take if …

- In May 2023, the government stated it would continue funding awareness campaigns including Stop Abuse Together, Look Closer, ParentWise and No Place To Hide …

FR-5 Not Accepted

IICSA (2022)

Prohibit Pain Compliance Techniques

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 …

- In May 2023, the government rejected this recommendation, stating that staff in custodial institutions require pain-inducing techniques for emergency scenarios involving serious physical harm, …

FR-6 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Amend Children Act 1989

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government amends the Children Act 1989 so that, in any case where a court is satisfied that there is reasonable cause to believe that …

- In May 2023, the government accepted the need for children in care to raise concerns and challenge their care, but stated it would address …

FR-7 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Registration of Care Home Staff

The Inquiry recommends (as originally stated in its Interim Report, dated April 2018) that the UK government introduces arrangements for the registration of staff working in care roles in children's …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating it was exploring professional registration proposals through the Stable Homes, Built on Love strategy (Government …

FR-8 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Registration in Young Offender Institutions

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 introduces arrangements for the professional …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating that internal registration was most appropriate for the young offender institution and secure training centre …

FR-9 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Greater Use of DBS

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government enables any person engaging an individual to work or volunteer with children on a frequent basis to check whether or not they have …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation subject to further assessment of feasibility and impact, taking into account the Bailey Review of Disclosure …

FR-10 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Improve DBS Referral Compliance

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government takes steps to improve compliance by regulated activity providers with their statutory duty to refer concerns about the suitability of individuals to work …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating it would work with regulators to improve compliance with the statutory duty to refer to …

FR-11 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Extend Disclosure Regime Overseas

The Inquiry recommends (as originally stated in its Children Outside the United Kingdom Phase 2 Investigation Report, dated January 2020) that the UK government introduces legislation permitting the Disclosure and …

- In January 2021, the Home Office stated that it would consider whether disclosure arrangements could be strengthened for those working with children overseas (Government …

FR-12 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Pre-screening by Internet Providers

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government makes it mandatory for all regulated providers of search services and user-to-user services to pre-screen for known child sexual abuse material.

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, noting that the Online Safety Bill would hold companies to account for CSAM on their services …

FR-13 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Mandatory Reporting

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government and Welsh Government introduce legislation which places certain individuals - 'mandated reporters' - under a statutory duty to report child sexual abuse where …

- The available evidence indicates that implementation is in progress but not complete. Parliament enacted the recommended legal change in April 2026, but the operative …

FR-14 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

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 …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates had included an inspection of victims' experiences of CSA in …

FR-15 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Remove Limitation Period

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government makes the necessary changes to legislation in order to ensure: the removal of the three-year limitation period for personal injury claims brought by …

- The available evidence indicates that implementation is in progress but not complete. Parliament enacted the recommended legal change in April 2026, but the operative …

FR-16 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Specialist Therapeutic Support

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government and the Welsh Government introduce a national guarantee that child victims of sexual abuse will be offered specialist and accredited therapeutic support. There …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating it would ensure effective therapeutic support access through extensive engagement linked to the redress scheme …

FR-17 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

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 …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation and stated it would engage with the Information Commissioner's Office on implementing it (Government Response to …

FR-18 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Changes

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government changes the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to: include other forms of child sexual abuse, including online-facilitated sexual abuse; amend the rule on unspent …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation and stated it would consult on whether to amend the scope and time limits of the …

FR-19 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Tiered Redress Scheme

The Inquiry recommends that the UK government establishes a single redress scheme in England and Wales, taking into account devolved responsibilities. The detailed rules of, and funding for, this redress …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, stating it would introduce a redress scheme acknowledging institutional failures and would launch extensive engagement with …

FR-20 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2022)

Age Verification Online

The Inquiry recommends (as originally stated in its The Internet Investigation Report, dated March 2020) that the UK government introduces legislation requiring providers of online services and social media platforms …

- In May 2023, the government accepted this recommendation, noting the Online Safety Bill required companies to consider age verification (Government Response to IICSA Final …

3 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Disapply 12-month limit for CSA police complaints

The Chair and Panel recommend that the National Police Chiefs' Council ensures that complaints relating to child sexual abuse are no longer 'disapplied' by police forces on the grounds that …

- On 16 January 2019, Chief Constable Craig Guildford (NPCC lead for Complaints and Misconduct) advised all Chief Officers that complaints relating to child sexual …

22 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

National chaperone policy for healthcare (England)

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Department of Health and Social Care develops a national policy for the training and use of chaperones in the treatment of children in …

- In July 2019, the UK government stated that NHS England had developed chaperone guidance notes setting out principles of chaperoning and practical guidance for …

23 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

National chaperone policy for healthcare (Wales)

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Welsh Government develops a national policy for the training and use of chaperones in the treatment of children in healthcare services. The Chair …

- On 6 January 2020, the Welsh Government published guidance for health boards and trusts on good working practice for the use of chaperones in …

24 Not Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Registration of children's home care staff

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Department for Education introduces arrangements for the registration of staff working in care roles in children's homes. Registration should be with an independent …

- On 8 July 2021, the Department for Education published the findings of a Call for Evidence on the children's homes workforce and a literature …

25 Not Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Amendment of Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Home Office ensures that the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is amended so that, where a fitness to practise hearing has been conducted …

- In December 2018, the UK government stated that the Home Office would ask the Disclosure and Barring Service to continue close engagement with regulators …

74 Not Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Joint inspection of Victims Code compliance

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Attorney General commission a joint inspection of compliance with the Victims' Code in relation to victims and …

- In October 2020, the Ministry of Justice stated that the operational demands of the COVID-19 pandemic had delayed a joint inspection of compliance with …

75 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Register of public liability insurers

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Association of British Insurers considers whether a register of public liability insurers could be introduced to assist claimants in child sexual abuse cases …

- On 24 April 2019, the Association of British Insurers formally responded to this recommendation by raising questions about the merits of a register of …

76 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Vulnerable witness protections in civil courts

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice provides in primary legislation that victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in civil court cases, where they are claiming …

- In February 2020, the Civil Justice Council confirmed it had agreed to consider the issues raised by this recommendation on qualified one-way costs shifting …

77 Not Accepted

IICSA (2018)

CSA experience for Chief Officer progression

The Chair and Panel recommend that any police officer (or staff equivalent) who wants to progress to the Chief Officer cadre must first be required to: have operational policing experience …

- In July 2019, the UK government stated that the Home Office and College of Policing had drawn up a programme of non-legislative changes to …

86 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Review CSA support services expenditure (England)

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Education, the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office work together to establish current …

- In July 2019, the UK government stated that the Ministry of Justice had established a cross-government working group and gathered data on public expenditure …

87 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Review CSA support services expenditure (Wales)

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Welsh Government and the relevant UK government departments work together to establish current levels of public expenditure, and the effectiveness of that expenditure …

- On 24 February 2022, the Welsh Government stated that it had obtained levels of public expenditure for support services to victims and survivors of …

94 Not Accepted

IICSA (2018)

CICA unspent convictions rule reform

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice revises Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority rules, so that awards are not automatically rejected in circumstances where an applicant's criminal convictions …

- On 14 May 2021, the Ministry of Justice stated that following its consultation, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme had been amended to remove the …

95 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

CICA specialist caseworker training

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority ensures that claims relating to child sexual abuse are only considered by caseworkers who have specific and detailed training …

- In December 2018, the UK government stated that all Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority operational staff are given training on handling sexual offences and child …

96 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

CICA same roof rule reapplication

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice revises the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority rules so that all applicants who previously applied for compensation in relation to child …

- On 22 July 2019, the UK government confirmed that the 'same roof' rule had been removed from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, allowing all …

103 Accepted

IICSA (2018)

Ratify Lanzarote Convention

The Chair and Panel recommend that the UK government ratifies the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (the 'Lanzarote Convention') without …

- On 20 June 2018, the UK ratified the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (the …

15 Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Research high child remand population

The Inquiry was told that children should only be placed in custody as a last resort. However, it was concerned to hear evidence that some children are remanded in custody …

- In January 2022, the Ministry of Justice published its Review of Custodial Remand for Children, which challenged the narrative that children are frequently remanded …

16 Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Review mixed justice/welfare placement risk

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Department for Education and the Youth Custody Service conduct a full review of the practice of placing children for justice and welfare reasons …

- On 7 May 2021, the Department for Education published its review of placement practices in secure children's homes, concluding that the practice of placing …

17 Not Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Prohibit pain compliance techniques

The Chair and Panel consider that the use of pain compliance techniques should be seen as a form of child abuse, and that it is likely to contribute to a …

- In June 2020, the Ministry of Justice published the Charlie Taylor review of pain-inducing techniques in the youth secure estate, which recommended changes to …

18 Not Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Joint MoJ/DfE policy for children in custody

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Education share policy responsibility for managing and safeguarding children in custodial institutions. This is to ensure …

- In July 2019, the Ministry of Justice stated that it had joint working relationships with the Department for Education on secure children's homes, including …

26 Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Youth Custody Service safeguarding training

The Chair and Panel recommend that the Youth Custody Service takes steps to ensure that its training provides staff with an appropriate understanding of safeguarding in the context of the …

- In July 2019, the Ministry of Justice stated that the Youth Custody Service would review mandatory training for frontline staff including safeguarding components (Government …

27 Accepted in Part

IICSA (2019)

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, …

- In November 2021, the Ministry of Justice stated that it had reviewed evidence from a targeted consultation on professional registration for the youth custody …

28 Accepted

IICSA (2019)

Revise Prison Service safeguarding guidance

The Chair and Panel note that Prison Service Instruction 08/2012, which sets out the mandatory actions for young offender institutions and secure training centres for 'maintaining a safe and secure …

- In July 2019, the Ministry of Justice stated that work had begun to revise or replace Prison Service Instructions with policy frameworks (Government Response, …