Is there a legal duty in the UK to report child sexual abuse?

Reporting of known FGM in under-18s is already a legal duty for teachers, health, and social care professionals. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommended a wider mandatory reporting duty for child sexual abuse, and the government has legislated to introduce one. Until it is fully in force, follow current statutory guidance and your setting's safeguarding procedures.

What should staff do while mandatory reporting law is still developing?

Do not wait for new law to act on a concern. Schools and other settings should follow Keeping Children Safe in Education, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and local safeguarding arrangements, reporting worries to the designated safeguarding lead and children's services promptly. Recording and sharing concerns has always been an expectation, whether or not a formal mandatory duty applies.

Law and policy

Mandatory reporting

A legal duty to report specific types of child abuse to authorities. In the UK, mandatory reporting of FGM exists.

Mandatory reporting is a legal duty to report specific types of child abuse to the authorities; in the UK a mandatory duty currently exists for female genital mutilation, with wider duties for child sexual abuse developing.

In plain English

A legal duty to report specific types of child abuse to authorities. In the UK, mandatory reporting of FGM exists.

Why it matters

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommended wider mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, and government has consulted on a duty to report. Schools and other settings should follow current statutory guidance and local arrangements while law develops.

Sources

Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse— GOV.UK

Frequently Asked Questions

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

← Back to glossary