The Attorney General has confirmed that the island’s Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub operates as a non‑statutory partnership.
It is supported by a wide range of existing laws that enable agencies to share information and work together to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Responding to a written question from Onchan MHK Julie Edge, he said MASH brings together representatives from Manx Care, the Isle of Man Constabulary and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, all recognised safeguarding bodies under the Safeguarding Act 2018.
He outlined that cooperation between agencies is underpinned by statutory duties across multiple Acts, including the Children and Young Persons Act 2001, Data Protection Act 2018, Domestic Abuse Prevention Act 2020, Human Rights Act 2001, Mental Health Act 1998, Regulation of Care Act 2013, Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021 and the Social Services Act 2011.
He added that public authorities may rely on section 23 of the CYPA to work with Manx Care in safeguarding children at risk of significant harm, providing a legal route for multi‑agency cooperation.
