Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Home Office failed to sufficiently embed specialist VAWG sector expertise in strategy development.
Recommendation
Throughout its 2021 VAWG Strategy, the Home Office did not make the most of the available expertise and knowledge, for example by engaging with the voluntary sector to understand the demands being faced on the frontline.17 Evidence submitted by End Violence Against Women (EVAW) expressed the importance of departments consulting sector experts to ensure that their knowledge and understanding is being used to inform the Government’s approach, and that there is clarity and transparency around this engagement. EVAW told us that the expertise of specialist VAWG sector should be embedded in the development and review of the new VAWG strategy.18 Charity representatives told the NAO that it was not clear how Home Office’s engagement with them had been used to inform government’s approach, throughout the 2021 VAWG Strategy, and felt that the invitee list to meetings was very long, limiting the scope for discussions about issues which disproportionately impact survivors from marginalised groups.19 13 VAWG0076 14 Q 23 15 Q 23 16 Q 24 17 C&AG’s Report, para 13 18 VAWG0083 19 C&AG’s Report, para 2.18 12
Government Response Summary
The government agrees the recommendation is implemented, stating it has shaped the upcoming VAWG Strategy through ministerially-chaired roundtables with sector experts and regular stakeholder meetings. It has also engaged extensively with survivors via the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s network and summit, and commits to continuing a survivor-informed approach.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 2.2 Through ministerially chaired VAWG thematic roundtables with sector experts, delivery partners, academics, policing, local practitioners and government departments, and regular stakeholder meetings held by the Interpersonal Abuse Unit, the upcoming VAWG Strategy has been shaped by the views and insights of sector experts, delivery partners and victims. 2.3 The government has sought to engage with survivors through the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s (DAC) VOICES network which gives victims and survivors an opportunity to share their experiences to influence policy development. The network was consulted on numerous themes in the development of the VAWG Strategy. At the DAC’s Survivor Summit (March 2025) Ministers and senior officials heard first-hand powerful testimonies from survivors about the criminal justice system, accessing victim support services, housing, benefits, healthcare and welfare. 2.4 The Home Office created a VAWG Strategy Advisory Board, comprised of 20 core attendees, including two rotating seats for specialist organisations to bring frontline perspectives to strategy development. The Home Office regularly engages with a wide range of specialist and frontline services from across England and Wales to ensure organisations receiving grant funding are delivering value for money and informing broader policy development. 2.5 The Director-level leads in key partner departments, namely the Department for Education, Ministry of Justice and Health and Social Care, will drive accountability in delivering the new Strategy through the Safer Streets Mission. This will draw together cross- government plans spanning the whole breadth of work on VAWG prevention, victim support to transforming the justice system. The Ministry of Justice’s Private Law Pathfinder project in the family courts aims to improve the experience and outcomes for children and families, particularly those needing additional support such as domestic abuse survivors. It supports earlier identification of families’ needs and stronger multi-agency working, including with HMCTS, Cafcass, Cafcass Cymru, local authorities, police, and specialist services. The model is running in six court areas currently, including all of Wales, with plans to extend to a further four areas by end of March 26. Feedback and evaluation on delivery to date is showing positive results. 2.6 The Home Office will continue to take a survivor-informed approach, including continued engagement with services supporting survivors and working with the Ministry of Justice on supporting individuals through the criminal and family courts system.