Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted in Part
Strengthen safeguarding framework, training, and oversight for asylum accommodation providers
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office strengthens its approach to safeguarding by: a. Ensuring that there is a robust framework for overseeing and auditing how safeguarding policies and processes are applied on the ground by contractors and subcontractors; b. Ensuring that staff working directly with asylum seekers receive adequate safeguarding training; c. Setting performance measures for safeguarding in the contracts, which allow the department to penalise providers who fail to meet safeguarding standards; d. Urgently reviewing its processes for identifying risks and vulnerabilities and sharing these with accommodation providers and statutory partners; and e. Using the data it receives through the Safeguarding Hub to more proactively monitor safeguarding concerns, including outcomes of incidents and referrals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 121) 102 Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children
Government Response Summary
The Home Office updated its safeguarding framework in August 2025 and established a Public Protection and Safeguarding Programme to improve risk management and communication. However, specific elements like contractual performance measures and wider auditing are currently outside scope and remain under review for future development.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
The Home Office recognises the critical importance of safeguarding within the asylum system and remains committed to continuous improvement in this area. While statutory safeguarding duties rest with other agencies, the Home Office plays an enabling role by ensuring risks are identified, escalated, and addressed through robust governance, contractual levers, and data-sharing arrangements. As part of this commitment, the Home Office has a safeguarding strategy that combines operational oversight, public protection, and strategic reform and will continue to engage with police, community partners and other key stakeholders on the matter. This commitment includes: • Safeguarding Framework Review: In August 2025, the Safeguarding Framework was updated to reflect the significantly altered asylum landscape since its introduction in May 2022. This revised framework strengthens transparency, consistency, and accountability across all Asylum Accommodation and Support contract providers, which the Home Office will review to demonstrate progress. • Public Protection and Safeguarding Programme: Established in response to recent challenges protests over the summer, this programme aims to provide a systemic approach to managing high-risk individuals and reducing harm to asylum seekers and the public. It seeks to improve communication and engagement with statutory partners to ensure appropriate action is taken to reduce risk. The future PPS function envisions a safe asylum estate, reducing offending and restoring public trust through proactive, effective service user management While some elements of the recommendation – such as contractual performance measures and wider auditing – are outside the current scope of work being undertaken, these areas remain under review for future development. The Home Office will continue to work closely with statutory and independent oversight bodies and accommodation providers to embed safeguarding into operational delivery rather than relying solely on reactive mechanisms.