NSPCC admits failing to pass on details relating to children at potential risk to relevant authorities

The charity admitted this meant those young people “might not have received the immediate support they deserved”.

An internal review found that 37 contacts from children categorised as high-risk – which includes reports of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and suicidal thoughts – were not passed on quickly enough to the relevant authorities for them to decide whether further action was necessary.

The NSPCC said: “As soon as this was identified, we took immediate action, including a comprehensive renewal plan which is now underway to ensure that Childline is able to provide a safe space for children long into the future.”

The charity added that there are times when it must make a “difficult judgement” on whether to break its promise of confidentiality because a young person may be at serious or immediate risk.

In line with guidance, the NSPCC made a serious incident report to the Charity Commission following the events.

A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We expect charities to do all they can to keep those who come into contact with them safe from harm. Keeping people safe should be a priority for all charities, and this is all the more vital where a charity works directly with children and young people at risk.

“In line with our guidance, NSPCC made a serious incident report to the Commission, notifying us of a concerning incident, identified through routine inspections, involving a young person whose disclosures to the charity’s Childline service should have been reported to the police immediately, but were not. The report set out the charity’s response to the incident, including an audit of high-risk contacts to Childline, and significant management and governance improvements made as a result of the findings of that audit.

“While the charity has identified serious issues of concern, we are assured that the trustees and the charity’s senior leadership are taking the matter seriously, and are taking appropriate steps to address weaknesses and improve oversight and governance around high-risk contacts from children. We continue to engage with the trustees and we will monitor the implementation of improvements.”

Lottie Winson