On 29 April 2026 the Crime and Policing bill received Royal Assent to become the Crime and Policing Act 2026. It introduces 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.
Ahead of implementation, the government will develop and publish detailed guidance on the mandatory reporting duty.
Last year we ran a series of free webinars to support those working or volunteering with children to understand the duty and how it will impact them and their organisation.
Watch the mandatory reporting webinars
The duty applies 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 requires 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 Act sets out specific conditions where exemptions 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.
We will continue to update this page as the government provides more information on the operational guidance and implementation period for the duty.
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