Scotland is to launch a major public inquiry into group based child sexual abuse and exploitation, examining three decades of allegations, institutional responses and potential failures to protect vulnerable children.
The independent statutory inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, will formally begin on Wednesday 11 November 2026, following confirmation of its remit by Education Secretary Màiri McAllan.
Covering the period from 1 January 1996 to 11 November 2026, the investigation will seek to establish the scale and prevalence of abuse while examining how organisations responsible for protecting children responded.
Crucially, the inquiry will scrutinise potential institutional failings, including any deliberate concealment of abuse, and consider whether opportunities to identify perpetrators or protect victims were missed.
It will also examine the characteristics of perpetrators, identify weaknesses in existing safeguards and recommend changes to policy, professional practice and legislation.
Professor Jay brings considerable experience to the role, having previously led investigations into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham and the wider Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales.
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the inquiry will avoid unnecessarily repeating work already undertaken by the separate Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
A pilot of the Truth Project will also begin this month, giving survivors an opportunity to share their experiences and contribute directly to the investigation ahead of a national rollout in 2027.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said:
“Sexual abuse and exploitation are among the most serious harms that can be inflicted on a child.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that children are protected, perpetrators are pursued and survivors are listened to, supported and believed.
“This inquiry will undertake a thorough examination of Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Its purpose is not only to understand what has happened, but to ensure it cannot happen again.
“To ensure accountability is strengthened, and that we do everything possible to better protect children and young people in the future.
“However, we are not waiting for the inquiry to conclude before acting, due to the pressing nature of the issue work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s collective response to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by accepting the recommendations from our National Review and providing additional funding for Police Scotland’s Operation Decerno.
“I want survivors to know that your voice will be heard.
“This inquiry will investigate what you went through, without fear or favour, and action will be taken as a result.
“And to those who would seek to perpetrate harm to our children in Scotland, I say directly that there will be nowhere to hide from justice.”
The Government says work is already underway to strengthen Scotland’s response, including accepting recommendations from a national review and providing additional resources for Police Scotland’s investigation of group based abuse.
Professor Jay will be able to report on specific findings as they emerge rather than waiting until the entire inquiry has concluded.
Professor Alexis Jay said:
“I welcome today’s announcement of the Inquiry’s terms of reference.
“This marks the beginning of our work, and I am clear that the focus of the Inquiry will be on making practical recommendations that improve policy, practice and, where necessary, legislation to better protect children in Scotland.”
The inquiry will now face the considerable task of establishing what happened, whether institutions failed those they were responsible for protecting and what changes are necessary to prevent future abuse.
For survivors who have waited years to be heard, its importance will ultimately be measured by the truth it uncovers, the accountability it delivers and the protections put in place for future generations.
