Safeguarding in Wales Survey
We write to invite you to participate in a survey which focusses upon:
- Recommendation 13 from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report regarding mandatory reporting
- The Code of Safeguarding Practice
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommended that a duty to report child sexual abuse be placed upon individuals rather than organisations.
Our initial consultation, conducted as part of the Programme for Government commitment under the Social Care Bill, provided us with an array of stakeholder views, but didn’t provide a clear consensus regarding the way forward. Consequently, further exploration is required.
As part of our ongoing work, we need to establish what is currently happening with our existing duties to report in relation to both children and adults, particularly focusing on the ‘relevant partners’ of local authorities.
The survey examines the implications of imposing mandatory reporting duties or implementing alternative measures upon individuals.
The Code of Safeguarding Practice
We are also seeking views regarding the Code of Safeguarding Practice.
The Code of Safeguarding Practice is non-statutory guidance for all those individuals, groups and organisations offering activities or services to children and adults in Wales. The Code of Safeguarding Practice sets out Welsh Government expectations in relation to safeguarding arrangements.
These individuals, groups and organisations may or may not have to register with Care Inspectorate Wales or another regulatory body and would not be subject to the organisational duty to report which applies to public services like local authorities, health and police. For example, some sports clubs, after school clubs, religious activities etc.
We are currently revising the Code and want to gather your views to support this.
The link
The survey can be accessed via this link and will be available for a period of 4 weeks, closing on Monday 16 June 2025.
Respond to the safeguarding in Wales stakeholder engagement survey | GOV.WALES
The alternative
As an alternative to completing the survey we are offering the opportunity to bring people together at online roundtable events to consider the questions posed in the survey and discuss key themes.
If you would prefer to participate in a roundtable discussion, please register your interest via the following link:
Thursday 29 May 13:00 – 16:30
Thursday 5 June 13:00 – 16:30