Inquiry to examine scale of group-based child sexual abuse

5 Nov 2026 03:18 PM

An independent public inquiry will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan has told Parliament.

The statutory inquiry, which will formally begin on 11 November, will provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children. The Chair, Professor Alexis Jay, will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge.

Under the terms of reference, published today, the inquiry will:

• investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026
• scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, alongside actions to address such failures
• explore the characteristics of perpetrators so risk factors can be better understood and stronger protections developed
• identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children
• avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere, including by the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.

The Education Secretary also confirmed that a pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, offering survivors the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.

Ms McAllan said:

“Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child. Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.

“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again. To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.

“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting – due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.

“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard. This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result. And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”

Professor Alexis Jay said:

“I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”

Background

Jay Inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation: Terms of Reference

The Statutory Inquiry into Group-Based Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation will be formally established on 11 November 2026.

The Scottish Government has accepted all the recommendations of the National Review into group-based CSAE, and has provided additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Descerno, which is reviewing disclosures, intelligence and cases of this form of abuse. The Scottish Government’s National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group is also working to address the risks and harms of CSAE in Scotland.

The Jay Inquiry will run in parallel with the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry and will draw evidence from the National Review and the Police Scotland review processes.

Professor Alexis Jay previously led the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales.

The Truth Project will be overseen by John O’Brien, former Secretary to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales.