In the wake of a 2022 report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), Prof Alexis Jay, its former chair, is urging government officials to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the 20 recommendations outlined in the document. The report, which highlighted "endemic" abuse across society in England and Wales, has raised concerns among advocates and officials alike regarding the urgency of reforming child protection measures.
Prof Jay's call comes as the health secretary, Wes Streeting, confirmed that the government is prioritizing efforts to implement these crucial recommendations. Speaking on the matter, a Home Office spokesperson reiterated their commitment, stating they are "working at pace across government" to address the findings of the inquiry.
The IICSA was established in 2015 and has conducted 15 investigations into various forms of child abuse, including grooming gangs and institutional failures in schools and religious organizations. The inquiry’s final report has become a focal point for advocates who emphasize the dire need for systemic changes to prevent child exploitation.
Prof Jay, who previously led a significant inquiry into widespread abuse in Rotherham—where an estimated 1,400 children were exploited between 1997 and 2013—has been vocal about the necessity of completing the ongoing review into Greater Manchester Police. Launched by Mayor Andy Burnham in 2017, this review has already yielded arrests, charges, and convictions related to child protection issues.
However, one of the persistent challenges identified is the fragmentation of child protection responsibilities across multiple government departments. This division complicates communication and coordination efforts crucial for effective reform.
Amid these discussions, the issue of grooming gangs resurfaced when Home Office minister Jess Phillips dismissed Oldham Council's request for a government-led inquiry. In light of this, Prof Jay distanced herself from calls for new inquiries, asserting that "our mission is not to call for new inquiries but to advocate for the full implementation of IICSA's recommendations."
The campaign group Act on IICSA, chaired by Prof Jay, has been advocating for ministers to commit to a "clear timeline" for adopting the recommendations. They voiced concerns over what they termed a "troubling trend of misinformation that undermines the true scale of the crisis and the pressing need for reform." The group emphasized that "politicising the issue of sexual violence fails to acknowledge its lifelong impact" and hinders necessary reforms.
Lucy Duckworth, an advocate within the movement, expressed urgency regarding the situation. "I don't think that we can afford to delay any longer," she stated, highlighting that further inquiries could lead to significant postponements in essential reforms.
In response to ongoing scrutiny, Prof Jay noted that completing the Greater Manchester review and allowing police investigations to continue should be prioritized. She underscored that focusing on implementing existing recommendations is a more effective strategy than "effectively re-litigating an inquiry because it's politically useful."
As discussions continue, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to address these issues at a press conference scheduled for Monday. The outcome of this discussion may further influence public opinion and government action regarding child protection reforms.
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