Rachel Thain, Senior Associate in our Abuse Team, recently considered the impact of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 on civil claims for compensation brought by survivors of abuse. However, this is not the only key change being brought into force by the Act. It also deals with mandatory reporting.
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 also introduces a statutory duty requiring certain individuals and organisations to report known or suspected child sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities. This marks a significant shift from the previous framework, where reporting was strongly encouraged but not consistently mandatory.
The aim is to ensure concerns are raised promptly, reducing the risk of ongoing harm and improving accountability where safeguarding failures occur.
Who will the duty apply to?
Mandatory reporting obligations are expected to apply to professionals working in roles that involve responsibility for children. This is likely to include those working in education, healthcare, social care, and within charities or youth organisations. The precise scope of the duty will be set out in accompanying regulations and guidance.
What must be reported?
The duty will apply where an individual becomes aware of, or has reasonable grounds to suspect, that a child has been subjected to sexual abuse. Reports must be made promptly to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or children’s social care services.
Failure to comply with the duty may result in legal consequences, including potential criminal or regulatory sanctions, making compliance a critical issue for both individuals and organisations.
Purpose and intended effect
The introduction of mandatory reporting is intended to support earlier identification of abuse, prevent harm to other children, and strengthen institutional accountability. By creating a clear legal obligation, the Act seeks to remove uncertainty about when and how concerns should be escalated.
Considerations for professionals and organisations
The implementation of mandatory reporting duties will require careful planning. Organisations will need to ensure staff are properly trained to recognise signs of abuse, understand when the duty is triggered, and know how to report concerns appropriately. Clear internal procedures, alongside careful consideration of data protection and confidentiality requirements, will be essential.
A failure to respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns could expose organisations to legal, regulatory, and reputational risk.
Conclusion
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 marks an important step forward in addressing child sexual abuse. By removing limitation periods and introducing mandatory reporting duties, the legislation aims to improve survivor access to justice while strengthening protections for children.
As these changes take effect, it is vital that both individuals and organisations understand their rights and responsibilities. Seeking specialist legal advice at an early stage can be a key part of navigating this new legal landscape with confidence and care.
How we can help
These reforms represent a significant change for both survivors and organisations. At Enable Law, we have extensive experience supporting individuals who have experienced abuse and advising families through complex and sensitive cases. We understand the lasting impact of these experiences and are committed to providing clear, compassionate and expert guidance.
Our team regularly advises on claims relating to historic child sexual abuse, evidential and liability issues, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims. We also support organisations in understanding their legal duties and managing risk in light of evolving safeguarding requirements.
To talk to a member of our team, call us on 0800 044 8488 or fill in our contact form so we can give you a call at a time convenient for you.
