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Government’s Renewed Focus on Abuse Inquiry Recommendations Welcomed – But Survivors Deserve Urgent Action, Not More Delays

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Nathalie Swanwick

Senior Associate Solicitor & Team Leader, Abuse Claims

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Legal experts at Simpson Millar have welcomed the Government’s renewed focus on the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommendations, including the announcement of a new Child Protection Authority and a commitment to double funding for services supporting adult survivors.

However, they have voiced concern over the continued absence of a clear and comprehensive timetable for implementation.

Home Office Minister Jess Phillips MP confirmed in Parliament that the Government will begin consulting on plans for the new authority this year, and that further details on improving access to therapeutic services will follow “in the coming weeks.”

While these announcements reflect a positive shift, campaigners had hoped that the long-anticipated Easter deadline would bring firmer commitments and greater clarity.

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Calls for Clear Timelines and Survivor-Centred Action

Nathalie Swanwick, a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Abuse Law team at Simpson Millar, which represented individuals as part of the Inquiry, said: “While we welcome the Government’s renewed focus and commitment to increase funding and expand oversight, survivors will understandably feel disheartened to hear that we are still only at the stage of consulting on changes.

“The Inquiry concluded in October 2022. Survivors placed immense faith in this process, and two and a half years later, they are still waiting for the justice and protection they were promised. We had hoped that the Government’s Easter deadline would have included a comprehensive roadmap, giving much-needed clarity to those who have already waited so long.

“Whilst one can only hope that the Government’s intentions are sincere, the continued lack of clear timelines or practical details risks retraumatising the very people this process was meant to support. Survivors need more than promises — they need certainty, access to meaningful support, and evidence that progress is finally being made.”

 

Urgent Reforms Still Awaited

The IICSA report, which followed a seven-year investigation into institutional failings, made 20 urgent recommendations to overhaul how child sexual abuse is prevented, reported, and responded to. Many of these — including the introduction of a national redress scheme and the removal of time limits on compensation claims — remain unaddressed.

Simpson Millar is calling on the Government to now set out a detailed timeline for delivering on all IICSA recommendations and to confirm who will be eligible for support under the new proposals.

“This is a critical opportunity to show survivors that their voices have been heard — and that the trauma they so bravely shared will lead to lasting change,” Nathalie added.“We remain committed to supporting them and will continue to press for the full implementation of these long-overdue reforms.”

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Nathalie Swanwick

Senior Associate Solicitor & Team Leader, Abuse Claims

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Areas of Expertise:
Abuse Claims

Nathalie is deeply committed to helping survivors both in and out of the courtroom. She fought for justice, representing survivors as part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). During this inquiry, she collaborated closely with Counsel to explore the much needed changes to the law on limitation, the potential for a national redress scheme, and suggested changes to the current Criminal Injuries Scheme.

She's also very experienced with redness schemes. Nathalie has helped survivors through the Lambeth Redress Scheme and another scheme started by the Estate of Michael Studdert. Additionally, she played a key role in group actions against Manchester City Council, representing survivors who suffered abuse in children’s home in Manchester.

References:

IICSA (2019). IICSA Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. [online] Iicsa.org.uk. Available at: https://www.iicsa.org.uk/.

Samuel, M. (2025). National child protection agency to provide oversight of practice in England - Community Care. [online] Community Care. Available at: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/04/10/national-agency-to-provide-oversight-of-child-protection-practice/

Parliament.uk. (2015). Contact information for Jess Phillips - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament. [online] Available at: https://members.parliament.uk/member/4370/contact

UK Parliament (2024). www.parliament.uk Home page. [online] UK Parliament. Available at: https://www.parliament.uk/.

Simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2019). Nathalie Swanwick. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/our-people/nathalie-swanwick/.

www.simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2023). Physical and Sexual Abuse Claims | Simpson Millar Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/.

IICSA. (2022). The Report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. [online] Available at: https://www.iicsa.org.uk/final-report.html.

Simpsonmillar.co.uk. (2024). Child Abuse Solicitors. [online] Available at: https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/abuse-claims-solicitors/child-abuse/.

IICSA. (2022). Part K: A summary of the Inquiry’s recommendations. [online] Available at: https://www.iicsa.org.uk/reports-recommendations/publications/inquiry/final-report/ii-inquirys-conclusions-and-recommendations-change/part-k-summary-inquirys-recommendations.html

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