Change made: Clarification of publication date for terms
of reference.
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 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.
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
