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Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse

Last updated: 02 Sept 2025 Topics: News
A professional writes in a notepad

On 25 February 2025 the Crime and Policing bill was introduced into Parliament. It includes provisions to introduce a new statutory duty for individuals undertaking key roles with responsibility for children and young people in England to report sexual abuse when they are made aware of it. It also includes a new criminal offence of attempting to prevent someone reporting child sexual abuse.

We are running a series of free webinars to support those working or volunteering with children to understand the proposed duty and how it will impact them and their organisation.

Sign up for the mandatory reporting webinars

The duty will apply to anyone taking part in regulated activity with children in England, such as teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals and those working in voluntary roles with children.

> Find out more about regulated activity with children

The duty will require those taking part in regulated activity to make a report if they:

  • are told about child sexual abuse, either by a child or an adult involved
  • witness child sexual abuse in person
  • see or hear it in the form of images, videos or audio recordings.

The bill sets out specific conditions where exemptions will apply, including in relation to certain consensual activities between children and specified services where confidentiality is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of children.

If an individual does not carry out the duty, they may be referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service, who will assess their suitability to work or volunteer with children in the future. Anyone who prevents or attempts to deter someone else from reporting will face criminal charges.

Once the Crime and Policing bill has passed through Parliament, the government will develop and publish guidance on the mandatory reporting duty.

We will continue to update this page with the bill’s progress through Parliament.

Sign up to our weekly CASPAR email to keep updated with all the latest announcements from the government about mandatory reporting.

How the NSPCC can support you

The NSPCC is here to support you with all your safeguarding needs. Whether you are starting out or looking to review and improve we offer expert safeguarding and child protection training, resources and consultancy to help organisations and individuals protect children from abuse and neglect.

> Find out more about protecting children from sexual abuse

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