Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Information about the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs announced by the Home Secretary on 9 December 2025.
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has been established in response to recommendation 2 of Baroness Louise Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse published in June 2025.
On 9 December 2025 the Home Secretary announced to Parliament the appointment of Baroness Anne Longfield CBE as Chair of the inquiry, and panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE.
On 9 December the Home Secretary also published the draft terms of reference for the inquiry which is available from the links on this page.
The inquiry will set up its own website. Details of how to contact the inquiry will be available in the new year.
In the meantime, this collection page brings together information on the inquiry chair and panellists, the draft terms of reference, and support services available for those who may be affected by this issue.
Next steps for the inquiry
The chair will consult on the draft terms of reference and will provide more information in January. The final terms of reference will be agreed with the Home Secretary and published by 31 March 2026, when the inquiry will be formally established.
In the meantime, the chair will set up a secretariat to deliver the work of the inquiry.
This will include appointing:
- a secretary and deputy secretary
- a solicitor to the inquiry
- a counsel to the inquiry
The secretariat’s work will also include putting in place safeguarding and support for victims and survivors who take part in the inquiry.
The inquiry will start creating a plan to decide which areas across England and Wales will be subject to local investigations.
Consultation on the draft terms of reference
Since their appointment in December, the chair and panel have been carefully developing the inquiry’s approach to consulting on the draft terms of reference.
A key priority is ensuring that victims and survivors have safe, accessible, and meaningful ways to share their views. The consultation will include targeted, face‑to‑face engagement with victims and survivors, as well as a private and confidential online space for anyone who prefers to contribute in their own time and anonymously.
The inquiry will also engage directly with parliamentarians and a wide range of stakeholders. This approach should ensure the terms of reference are informed by lived experience and expertise.
As the inquiry is required to finalise the terms of reference by 31 March 2026, the consultation period will be focused and time‑limited. Further details on how to take part will be shared by the inquiry in early February 2026.
If you are a victim or survivor of child sexual abuse and exploitation, or a concerned family member or friend, you can find information about what support is available.
Documents
Updates to this page
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Added information about the consultation on the draft terms of reference.
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Clarification of publication date for terms of reference.
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Added links to Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs: letter to victims and survivors and Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs: letters.
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First published.