In our next blog considering the UK Government's response to the 2022 IICSA recommendations we look at recommendations 2, 3 and 4 which are focussed on prioritising the protection of children. 

Recommendation 2: establish Child Protection Authorities for England and Wales

Recommendation 3: appoint a Cabinet Minister for Children

Recommendation 4: public awareness raising

Recommendation 2: establish Child Protection Authorities in England and Wales

IICSA recognised that child protection is a multi-agency affair and that it needs a more robust inspection system. It asked for a stronger oversight of child protection by the creation of a national Child Protection Authority in both England and Wales. 

The Government has agreed to create a Child Protection Authority (CPA) in England. This will have a broader remit than the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel (the Panel) already in place. The Panel’s mission is to provide leadership on learning for serious cases. The CPA’s work will start as part of the Panel first. The Panel will receive additional resources this financial year so it can increase its analytical capacity and its ability to develop material for practitioners. Amongst other steps, a joint thematic review into child abuse in family settings will start in September 2025. 

In parallel the government will consult on a roadmap to a CPA. The government has decided that the CPA will not be given its own inspection powers. Instead, the CPA will give expert advice to existing inspectorates (OFSTED, CQC, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services and HM Inspectorate of Probation) and will provide national leadership and learning on child protection and safeguarding. The aim is to promote a transparent relationship between inspectorates and the CPA. The government recognises that inspectorates would not accept the CPA’s expert advice if the CPA had inspection powers over them. The aim is to strengthen single and joint inspections, to improve social work practice and safeguarding standards. 

Implementation of the CPA will take time as new legislation will be required. 

Recommendation 3: appoint a Cabinet Minister for Children

The Secretary of State for Education (currently Bridget Phillipson) is the Cabinet minister for children. It is interesting to note that her government biography makes no mention of this role. A new ministerial board now brings together ministers from the government departments with a key role on issues affecting children. Its precise workings or remit are however unclear. There will be no separate Minister for Children.

Recommendation 4: public awareness raising

The UK Government accepts this recommendation and gives details of various steps to support the work of bodies and agencies already involved in this area: The Children’s Society, Crimestoppers, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. 

The Welsh Government had already accepted all three recommendations.

The CPA could be a game-changer in the field of child protection. But in an area replete with government agencies, QUANGOs and working groups, its impact will be measured by the powers and funding it will be given by future legislation.