Documents

Technical Guidance for Material Providers

This document sets out the Inquiry’s expectations as to the format of documents it expects to be sent. This guidance is referred to in other protocols, and in Rule 9 requests. It ensures material that the Inquiry receives can be efficiently processed and prepared for review.

s.40 Cost Application Form

Please complete this form if you wish to apply for legal costs award pursuant to section 40 of the Inquiries Act 2005.

All completed forms should be marked for the attention of the Solicitor to the Inquiry and sent by email to solicitor@grooming-gangs.independent-inquiry.uk or by post to The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, TLT LLP 20 Gresham Street London EC2V 7JE

Press release – Grooming Gangs Inquiry Announces National Accountability Hearings and First Local Investigations

The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has today announced its plans to hold its first national public accountability hearings by the end of the year, with individuals and institutions compelled to explain publicly what they did or did not do to protect children from being sexually abused and harmed by grooming gangs.

Notice of determination by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to the Chair

The Secretary of State for the Home Department has determined under section 40(4) of the Inquiries Act 2005 (“the 2005 Act”) that the power of the Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs to award amounts in respect of legal representation under section 40(1) and (2) of the 2005 Act to persons eligible for an award under section 40(3) shall be subject to the following qualifications and conditions.

Costs Protocol

This Protocol explains how the Inquiry considers applications for publicly funded legal costs, and how any approved costs will be managed and paid.

The Chair has legal powers under section 40 of the Inquiries Act 2005 to make awards for legal representation and certain other expenses.

Core Participant Protocol

This Protocol explains the role of a Core Participant and how to apply to become one in the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.

Applications for Core Participant status are considered by the Chair in accordance with the Inquiry Rules 2006 and the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.

Victims & Survivors Charter

Our commitment to listening, involving and supporting victims and survivors throughout the Inquiry.

Public Announcement on Initial Local Areas Investigations

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has selected the Bradford and Keighley and London for Local Area Investigations. These areas, alongside Oldham, will form a part of the Inquiry’s initial Local Area Investigations.

National Accountability Hearings Outline of Scope

This opening phase of the national hearings in the Inquiry will take place at the end of 2026/beginning of 2027. It will start from, and seeks to learn from, numerous national and local inquiries, inspections, safeguarding reviews, serious case reviews, criminal investigations, thematic reports, parliamentary inquiries and reviews into grooming gangs over the past three decades. It will examine recommendations made in these investigations and hold organisations to account nationally for their implementation.

Local Area Investigations Outline of Scope

Local Area Investigations will examine group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse by grooming gangs within a defined local area. The focus is on the adequacy of institutional responses, the extent of systemic or leadership failures and whether children were effectively safeguarded from grooming gangs.

Local Area Investigations Selection Criteria

Areas are selected using this criteria. The Chair and Panel consider a range of evidence when making decisions.

General Restriction Order

This General Restriction Order explains how the Inquiry restricts the disclosure and publication of certain information to protect individuals, ensure fairness, and support the effective running of the Inquiry.

Protocol on Restriction Orders, Redaction and Anonymity

This Protocol explains how the Inquiry manages sensitive information, including the use of redaction, restriction orders and anonymity.

Protocol on Witness Statements

This Protocol explains how the Inquiry requests, receives and manages witness statements as part of its evidence‑gathering process.

Protocol on Disclosure of Documents

This Protocol explains how the Inquiry requests, receives and handles documents as part of its investigation.  

Notice to preserve documents and information (standing notice)

The Inquiry has issued a formal notice requiring individuals and organisations who hold potentially relevant information to preserve it and not destroy, conceal, or alter it.

31 March 2026

31 March 2026

31 March 2026

31 March 2026