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What is the Inquiry into Grooming Gangs?An inquiry investigating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by grooming gangs across England and Wales. The Inquiry is a statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. |
Finding the truth. |
Delivering accountability. |
Protecting children. |
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The Chair of the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs delivers the opening statement marking the Inquiry’s formal mandate, alongside Panel members Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE. Watch the opening statement on the Inquiry’s YouTube channel. |
What this Inquiry is doing
Children across England and Wales were sexually abused and exploited by grooming gangs. There are serious questions about how and why institutions tasked with protecting children frequently failed to do so.
Working closely with the victims and survivors of abuse, the independent Inquiry will examine those failures by following the evidence, wherever it leads. It will hold those responsible to account and make recommendations to prevent future abuse.
The Inquiry is a statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It was set up following Baroness Louise Casey’s 2025 national audit, which found serious and repeated failures to protect children from organised sexual abuse.
How the Inquiry is progressing
The Inquiry formally began on 31 March 2026 and will run for no more than three years. Here is what is happening:
Local investigations are being planned across England and Wales.
The Terms of Reference, which set out the full scope of what the Inquiry will examine, have been agreed and published.
The Inquiry secretariat has been appointed and is up and running.
Are you a victim or survivor?
Your voice is at the heart of this Inquiry.
If you experienced abuse or exploitation, or if you are a family member or friend of someone who did, the Inquiry wants to hear from you. We are putting in place safe and confidential ways for you to share your experience and contribute to the Inquiry’s work.
You do not have to do this alone. Support is available now — before, during, and after any involvement with the Inquiry.