New Mandatory Reporting Duty for Child Sexual Abuse: Are You Prepared?

A landmark change in safeguarding legislation is coming. Here’s what professionals need to know about the new statutory duty to report child sexual abuse.

Understanding the Mandatory Reporting Duty

The Crime and Policing Bill introduces a significant development in child protection that will affect professionals across England. For the first time, people in key roles will have a statutory duty to report child sexual abuse when they become aware of it.

This new duty represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding children and implements one of the key recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). The legislation also creates a new criminal offence of obstructing an individual from making a report, reinforcing the seriousness of this responsibility.

What Constitutes Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities, whether through physical contact or non-contact abuse. This abuse can happen both online and offline and affects children of all ages and backgrounds.

A critical aspect that professionals must understand is that children may not always recognise that what is happening to them constitutes abuse. This reality underscores the importance of professional awareness and the duty to act when concerns arise.

Who Will the Duty Apply To?

The mandatory reporting duty will apply to people in key roles who work with or have responsibility for children. This includes professionals across education, healthcare, faith organisations, sports settings, and other sectors where adults have regular contact with children.

Prepare Now with Free Expert Training

The NSPCC is offering free webinar training to help professionals prepare for this new statutory requirement. The training is tailored to help you understand how the duty applies within your specific sector and setting, ensuring you’re ready to meet your legal obligations while providing the best possible protection for children. Watch the Free NSPCC Mandatory Reporting Webinar