Victim Information Requests Code of Practice January 2026 Update

In January 2026, the government published the Victim Information Requests Code of Practice, implementing Sections 44A-44C of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (as amended by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024). This Code brings detailed operational guidance into line with the statutory law that has been in place since 2024 and the CPS Pre-Trial Therapy Guidance from 2022, which has since been temporarily withdrawn from publication while under review. 

What this means

First, the Code provides two important clarifications for services. Counselling services are now defined as remunerated or voluntary services which offer psychological, therapeutic or emotional support aimed at improving a victim’s emotional, psychological and mental health. This includes both registered and unregistered practitioners. The Code provides a non-exhaustive list of who may fall within this definition, including those registered with statutory bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and Social Work England, those on voluntary registers accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), and unregistered practitioners including Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), Independent Stalking Advocates (ISAs), ministers of religion, and other unregistered persons. 

Second, all requests for counselling information must be signed off at Chief Inspector level or above, ensuring senior oversight of these requests. 

The Code details how police should apply the “substantial probative value” test, starting with the presumption that counselling notes are not necessary or proportionate to request. It clarifies what does and does not establish substantial probative value and sets out the requirements for written notice to victims and seeking their views. Importantly, responding to a TPM request remains voluntary – services are only legally obliged to share information via a formal witness summons. 

What remains the same

The core legal principles haven’t changed – police must demonstrate reasonable line of enquiry, necessity and proportionality, and balance victims’ Article 8 privacy rights with the needs of fair trial. These are the same principles we’ve been teaching at Bluestar since we began working with government in 2022. 

Our resources and training remain fully applicable: Responding to Notes Requests Guide, email templates, and training materials continue to support services in responding appropriately to police requests. We’ve simply updated our briefing to reflect how the Code formalises existing practice and confirms the enhanced protections for ISVA, IDVA and ISA services. Since January 2026, requests should arrive on the NPCC Third Party Material Request Form. Our Responding to Notes Requests guide explains how to use this and what to include in the third-party response section. 

Read our UPDATED June 2026 – Bluestar Briefing New Victim Information Requests Code of Practice  to understand the Code’s guidance and what it means for your service.

Questions? Contact us at info@bluestarproject.co.uk