Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Safeguarding in DWP

08 December 2025 · Department for Work and Pensions

Proposed by Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East

Safeguarding & DBSStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Department for Work and Pensions is implementing a multi-year strategy to address safeguarding issues.
  • Year One will focus on raising staff awareness and providing training to build capability.
  • The department will strengthen relationships with local authorities and health services.

Issue summary

The statement updates the House on actions taken by the Department for Work and Pensions following a safeguarding review and consultation findings.

Action requested

The department is implementing a multi-year strategy focusing on raising staff awareness, building capability through training, and strengthening relationships with local authorities and health services in Year One. Years Two to Five will focus on continuous improvement and embedding safeguarding into all operations.

Key facts

  • The statement fulfils a commitment made by the department in response to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry in July 2025.
  • The department has an executive lead, dedicated safeguarding team, and clear governance.
  • Year One deliverables include raising staff awareness, training, and strengthening relationships with local authorities, health services, and voluntary organisations.
  • Continuous improvement will focus on digital solutions to capture safeguarding activity over Years Three to Five.
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