Committee publication · Correspondence · 7 July 2026
Correspondence from Jake Richards MP, Minister for Sentencing, dated 6 July 2026 relating to the Trowler Review into Youth Custody Safeguarding
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Jake Richards MP, Minister for Sentencing, writes to the Justice Committee chair on 6 July 2026 to notify him of the imminent publication of the Trowler Review into youth custody safeguarding and the government's response. The review, commissioned following the Prison and Probation Ombudsman's Medomsley report, makes 34 recommendations. The government accepts all 34 in principle and commits to implementing many immediately, though some require longer-term reform subject to spending reviews. The response outlines actions across counter-corruption, safeguarding staffing, workforce development, recruitment, restraint oversight, and complaints procedures.
Key findings
- All 34 Trowler Review recommendations accepted in principle by government, with many already underway; some require substantial longer-term reform subject to spending review outcomes.
- Immediate actions include recruiting additional social workers with child protection expertise, establishing a new Safeguarding Oversight Board, and ensuring Heads of Safeguarding are involved in counter-corruption case meetings by September 2026.
- Enhanced DBS checks to be renewed every 3 years across all youth custody sites; disciplinary investigations to continue even if accused resigns; trusted adults permitted to raise formal complaints on behalf of children.
- Workforce reforms include redesigned initial training for Youth Justice Workers, revised recruitment and selection processes emphasising values-based assessment and suitability for working with children, and development of a National Practice Framework.
- Department for Education to update 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' statutory guidance in 2027 to clarify LADO responsibilities and expectations for independent restraint review oversight in youth custody.
Government position
The government accepts all 34 recommendations in principle and is committed to implementing them. Many recommendations are already in train; others requiring far-reaching implications will be scoped further and subject to spending review outcomes. The government emphasises serious commitment to safeguarding, workforce strengthening, and cross-government working with partners including the Department for Education, local authorities, and Youth Custody Service delivery partners.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Jake Richards MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice), Andy Slaughter MP (Chair, Justice Select Committee), Isabelle Trowler (Review author), Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Youth Custody Service (YCS), Department for Education (DfE), Local Authorities, Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO)
Notable line
“The government is taking forward all 34 recommendations. Many are already in train and where further work is needed, this will be implemented whilst working closely with our partners.”
Key Quotes
“I commissioned this review following the Prison and Probation Ombudsman 's (PPO) report on Medomsley Detention Centre and in light of several safeguarding failures which have occurred within the estate in recent months.”
“The government is taking forward all 34 recommendations. Many are already in train and where further work is needed, this will be implemented whilst working closely with our partners.”
“I acknowledge that the review has highlighted a number of areas where changes must be made, and I am committed to addressing these at pace.”
“I want to acknowledge the men who survived the horrific abuse at Medomsley, which was the catalyst for this review. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to you and reiterate the Government's apology to anyone who was affected.”
“Heads of Safeguarding will inform the LADO of any abuse of trust allegations involving children. From September 2026, this approach will be in place across all YOIs, the Secure School, the STC and SCHs.”
“… the YCS will review the complaints framework, which will include considering moving away from the HMPPS policy, and creating greater flexibility for trusted adults (including advocates, social workers and family members) to support children in raising formal complaints or to raise them on their behalf …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗