On Monday 23 May, the Government issued its response to the final recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
Speaking in Parliament, Suella Braverman, Home Secretary, described the response as 'a landmark commitment by Government' and said she was 'delighted that [the government] have accepted the need to act on all but one of the Inquiry’s recommendations'. Ms Braverman acknowledged the part survivors had to play in the Inquiry saying, 'thanks to the brave testimony of thousands of courageous victims, this inquiry uncovered a dark and disturbing truth – that adults often turned a blind eye to the serious sexual abuse of the children under their care.'
As the UK’s leading independent Christian safeguarding charity, and a Core Participant in the Inquiry, we are pleased to hear the government has accepted the need to act on these critical issues. To accept that change is needed is a positive step.
However, while we are encouraged to hear that the recommendations have been considered, we are disappointed and concerned that this long-anticipated response doesn’t go nearly far enough in addressing the well-evidenced detail of the Inquiry’s recommendations.
Despite accepting 'the critical issue the recommendations seek to remedy' the government does not appear to have accepted the recommendations themselves, including the creation of a Child Protection Authority for England and for Wales, and the creation of a cabinet-level ministerial position for children.
Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry, which was founded by Theresa May in 2015, said in a statement that each of the recommendations made were 'carefully considered' and that she was 'deeply disappointed' that the government had not accepted the 'full package of recommendations'. Ms Jay also expressed disappointment that 'a number of [the recommendations] will be subject to consultations, despite the extensive research and evidence-taking which the Inquiry carried out over seven years.' She added 'The package announced by the government will not provide the protection from sexual abuse that our children deserve.'
Speaking after the Home Secretary’s announcement, Justin Humphreys CEO for Thirtyone:eight said 'Anyone who has been following the work of the Inquiry or who has been involved in it in any way can’t help but feel incredibly disappointed by the Governments response today. While we would be committed to supporting the government as it seeks to consult further, we feel this is a missed opportunity to take important steps forward to dramatically impact the lives of the children of this country for good and to protect them from harm, not just now but for generations to come.'
Mr Humphreys said, 'The recommendations of this Inquiry offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to do something significant. It is incredibly disheartening that what is being proposed are insufficient amendments to arrangements that already exist and the proposal of more consultations to come. This is distinctly lacking in clarity and clear outcomes for the most vulnerable and represents a very unsatisfactory conclusion to all the work that has gone into reaching this point.'
As part of its response the Government announced the launch of a call for evidence on the mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse and how a legal duty to report would affect children, organisations, workplaces and volunteers. The consultation is open until 14 August 2023. In addition, the Government also announced the creation of a redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse which will be launched in England, recognising the trauma victims have suffered.
Leigh McFarlane, Public Policy and Research Manager for Thirtyone:eight said, 'With the weight of evidence that has been collected and presented by the Inquiry, the need for action is clear. Despite faith organisations and charities featuring significantly in the report they seem to have disappeared from consideration in the Government’s response. We would encourage Christians to use their voice, to share their experiences and engage with the Government by participating in the call for evidence and to continue to call for tangible action on this important issue. It’s only by working together that we can truly create safer places for children and all vulnerable people.'
Thirtyone:eight is committed to working with the Government and others to help fulfil our collective duty to protect children and adults and provide justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. We stand ready to hold the Government to account for delivering on their commitments. We will seek to work together to achieve the level of change the Inquiry has recommended and that the brave testimony of survivors has shown us needs to happen.