MyEDC
When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.

Technical Notes 2026, Issue 27 - National Review – Group Based Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

  • Report by:

    Ann Davie, Chief Executive

  • TN Number:

    027-26

  • Subject:

    National Review – Group Based Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

  • Responsible Officer:

    Derrick Pearce, HSCP Chief Officer

  • Publication:

    This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

  • In December 2025, Scottish Minsters formally requested a national review into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation
  • The national review will be led by the Care Inspectorate and is Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Scotland (HMICS), working with Health Improvement Scotland (HIS) and His Majesty's Inspectorate Education (HMIE) and any other scrutiny bodies as appropriate
  • It will gather evidence which will support Scottish Government Ministers’ considerations of whether there should be a future public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation
  • The review will look at how well public protection partners are working together to prevent, identify and act appropriately on instances of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation
  • It will also assess Public Protection Chief Officers Groups’ level of understanding of the current scale and nature of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation and group-based child criminal exploitation in Scotland
  • Phase One is an evaluation of core systems and data, to be returned by 17th April 2026, key documents to be returned by 8th May 2026 and interviews with Public Protection Chief Officer Groups in June 2026
  • Phase Two involves case reviews, staff survey and staff focus groups.  Feedback will be given to each Public Protection Chief Officers Group in July 2026
  • Phase Three involves improvement support and should be concluded by Autumn 2027
  • The East Dunbartonshire Public Protection Chief Officers’ Group has been briefed, and work is underway to prepare the core systems and data return
  • Elected Members will be informed of the progress of the review.