Recommendation 5

We recommend that if the progress updates demonstrate that the review is not having its intended impact, the Government react quickly and effectively, putting in place alternative actions. In its next progress update, the Government must set out exactly how operational partners will be held to account if there continues to be no significant rise in rape prosecution volumes. We agree with HMICFRS and HMCPSI that the National Criminal Justice Board should review the existing statutory governance arrangements for rape and instigate swift reform. We also recommend that the lead Minister for the Rape Review write to the Committee every six months, so that progress updates can be adequately interrogated.