The Act on IICSA campaign is a vital movement aimed at implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Childhood Sexual Abuse (IICSA). Established to drive change, this group of dedicated professionals, survivors, and advocates is committed to ensuring that safeguarding children becomes a national priority.

What Is IICSA?

The Independent Inquiry into Childhood Sexual Abuse (IICSA) concluded in October 2022 after seven years of in-depth investigations. Its final report revealed a devastating reality: institutions often prioritised their reputations over the safety of children. The report described the scale of abuse as “horrific,” calling for urgent action to overhaul the UK’s child protection system.

Key highlights from the report:

• 20 major recommendations for systemic reform—the most significant since the Children Act 1989.
• Based on 2.5 million pages of evidence and testimony from over 7,300 survivors.
• A clear message: safeguarding children must be a public priority.

Progress Since the Report

While the IICSA report outlined a clear path forward, progress has been slow.

• In January 2024, the Act on IICSA group hosted a parliamentary event with Jess Phillips (now Minister for Safeguarding) and James Cleverly MP. The government pledged “concerted action” on key recommendations.
• By September 2024, the group launched a manifesto focusing on Prevention, Protection, and Respect for survivors of sexual violence.

Despite these efforts, two years after the report, none of the recommendations have been implemented nationally. The new government has expressed a commitment to reducing child sexual abuse and halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) by 2034, providing hope for future reforms.

The Case for a Child Protection Authority (CPA)

One of IICSA’s most critical recommendations is the establishment of a Child Protection Authority (CPA).

Why do we need a CPA?

The current safeguarding landscape in the UK is fragmented across multiple agencies, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in child protection. A CPA would:

• Centralise responsibilities: Acting as an independent, non-departmental body.
• Support professionals: Providing guidance, setting minimum standards, and enforcing good practices.
• Drive reforms: Acting as a foundation for implementing the remaining 19 IICSA recommendations.

With around 500,000 children experiencing sexual abuse annually (a conservative estimate), the CPA is crucial to addressing systemic failures.

What Would the CPA do?

• Establish minimum safeguarding standards for institutions.
• Provide policy advice and publish regular reports to Parliament.
• Inspect and enforce compliance with child protection regulations.

Addressing Systemic Failures

The IICSA report highlighted a history of institutional failings, with many organisations prioritising reputation over child safety. Regulators such as Ofsted and the Charity Commission were criticised for insufficient oversight. The CPA would address these shortcomings by:

• Centralising regulatory responsibilities.
• Absorbing roles from existing regulators to create a streamlined, effective safeguarding system.
• Enforcing accountability and improving collaboration among statutory agencies.

How You Can Help

The success of Act on IICSA relies on public and political support. You can make a difference by urging your MP to back the establishment of the CPA and the implementation of IICSA’s recommendations.

Steps to Take:

• Find Your MP: Use TheyWorkForYou to locate your MP.
• Write to Them: Personalise your message. Share why child protection matters to you and emphasise the importance of a CPA.
• Mention the 7,300 survivors who bravely testified during the inquiry.
• Highlight the urgent need for systemic reform to protect children and support survivors.
• Request Action: Ask your MP to contact Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding, to support the CPA and request updates on IICSA’s recommendations.
• Please ask your MP to copy actoniicsa@thesurvivorstrust.org in their response to track progress.

Stay Updated

Follow #ActOnIICSA on social media for campaign updates and events. Join our mailing list by emailing actoniicsa@thesurvivorstrust.org .

Together, we can transform the IICSA recommendations into tangible changes, ensuring a safer future for children and justice for survivors. Let’s Act on IICSA and make child protection a priority.

David recently spoke at a webinar hosted by Act on IICSA’s campaign group and The Survivors Trust. You can learn more about the group and the actions they are taking by watching the webinar which took place on the 6th November 2024, here .

Need Legal Advice?

If you’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse and need legal support, our specialist team at Switalskis Solicitors is here to help. Call us on 0800 138 0458  or email help@switalskis.com.