Oldham is one of the first areas selected for a local investigation by the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.
The investigation will look at what happened in Oldham, what organisations knew, how they responded, and whether children were properly protected. Victims and survivors will be at the centre of the Inquiry’s approach. Evidence from this investigation will inform the Inquiry’s national findings and accountability hearings.
Why Oldham has been selected?
When the Home Secretary announced the Inquiry in December 2025, she confirmed that the Inquiry would carry out a targeted investigation in Oldham, using its full statutory powers. The Chair agreed to prioritise Oldham, and Oldham Council has welcomed this decision.
Correspondence relating to Oldham
What the investigation will examine
The Oldham investigation will look at how group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse by grooming gangs was identified and responded to in Oldham. It will examine the actions of police, councils, social services, and other agencies, both locally and nationally, to understand where failures occurred and what must change.
It will focus on understanding why harm was not prevented and what needs to change.
The investigation will gather evidence from a range of sources, including documents, data, and information held by organisations, as well as accounts from victims and survivors and other witnesses.
The Inquiry will analyse this evidence to understand what happened and identify where systems and organisations did not work as they should have.
The Inquiry may publish findings and updates as the investigation progresses.
If you are a victim or survivor in Oldham
Your experience matters. If you were abused or exploited in Oldham, or if you are a family member or friend of someone who was, the Inquiry wants to hear from you.
You can choose how and whether to take part. You will not be pressured to do anything you are not comfortable with.
You will not be required to give formal evidence unless you want to. There are different ways to share your experience, and support is available at every stage.
For institutions and organisations in Oldham
Organisations that may hold relevant information must preserve it.
You must not destroy, conceal, or alter any documents, records, or data that could be relevant to the Inquiry. Destroying or altering evidence is a criminal offence under section 35 of the Inquiries Act 2005.
Details of how to share information securely will be published shortly.
If you wish to share information at this stage, please register your interest via the Contact page. We will provide further guidance as soon as the process is in place.
For general enquiries: contactus@grooming-gangs.independent-inquiry.uk