How is the Welsh Government ensuring accountability across the four ministers who share responsibility for children’s policy, in response to the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse’s recommendation for clear and visible leadership on children’s issues?
Ensuring the safeguarding of children and adults is central to the work of the Welsh Government – accountability for safeguarding sits across several ministerial portfolios. In my role as Minister for Children and Social Care, I take a lead role in supporting the cohesion of our safeguarding work, including supporting the cross-government coordination of the implementation of the recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
In its annual report 2022-23, the National Independent Safeguarding Board notes it agrees the IICSA recommendation relating to having a Minister for Children has been met due to the expansion of my portfolio.
I meet regularly with the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip and the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This ensures shared oversight of the linked policy areas involving our response to children and young people.
Additionally, my officials work regularly across these policy areas to ensure a cohesive response to shared issues.