His Majesty's Inspectorate of Education, His Majesty's
Constabulary, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the Care
Inspectorate will undertake an independent national review of
responses to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Professor Alexis Jay will chair the National Child Sexual Abuse
and Exploitation Strategic Group from January 2026, and will
provide expert advice to Ministers on the findings of the
national review as it reports on its progress.
The work of the national review will be undertaken alongside that
of the independent Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, and work already
underway by Police Scotland to review previous cases, to gather
evidence on the extent of group-related child sexual abuse and
exploitation. This evidence will inform any decision on the need
for a future inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and
exploitation.
Education Secretary said:
“Our thoughts are with victims of child abuse who have already
suffered so much – this matter must be handled sensitively and
with the utmost respect and consideration for their experiences.
“The issue of group-based sexual abuse and exploitation of
children is sensitive and complex, and the Scottish Government
has been giving it very detailed consideration. We have been
clear that we are prepared to give every consideration to an
inquiry on this issue, and that any such decision needs to be
based on information, evidence and a greater understanding of the
scale and nature of this form of abuse and of the responses to
it.
“Professor Alexis Jay has extensive expertise in this area, and
her insights will be invaluable to Ministers as this work is
taken forward.
“I have written to the leaders and spokespeople of other
political parties to offer a briefing with Professor Jay and
Police Scotland on this work in the new year.”
Professor Alexis Jay said:
“I am pleased to take on the role of Chair of the National Group,
and to build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors,
Iona Colvin and .
“There is much to do and do quickly. The work of the independent
Inspectorates should provide the evidence for Scottish Ministers
to determine whether further action is required to disrupt child
sexual exploitation in Scotland.”
HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Craig Naylor,
said:
“His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland welcome
the announcement that along with the Care Inspectorate we will
jointly lead an independent national review of responses to
group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.”
Background
Work is underway to finalise the specific approach to be taken by
the Inspectorates. The National Review is intended to help ensure
there is independent scrutiny of individual areas' and
organisations' understanding and response to group-based child
sexual abuse and exploitation. That understanding and response
will be evaluated by the Inspectorates, in a process which will
also engage local authority Chief Officers.
Iona Colvin will retire at the end of 2025
