A statutory public inquiry into grooming gangs in Scotland formally begins today, Wednesday 11 November, under the chairmanship of Professor Alexis Jay.

The Jay Inquiry, set up under the Inquiries Act 2005, will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland over the past three decades, covering the period from 1 January 1996 to the date the inquiry was set up.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan announced the inquiry in the Scottish Parliament on 5 November, when its terms of reference were published. She said the inquiry would provide recommendations to strengthen the protection of children.

What the Jay Inquiry will examine

The inquiry will investigate Scotland’s response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, including how far it occurred, the characteristics of perpetrators and any risk factors that could help state and other bodies protect children in future.

Professor Jay will report on specific aspects of the findings as they emerge, rather than waiting for a single final report. The inquiry will also consider action to improve the response to child abuse while its work continues.

A pilot of the Truth Project will launch this month ahead of a national rollout next year, giving survivors the chance to share their experiences and contribute directly to the inquiry.

How the inquiry came about

The Scottish Government ordered the public inquiry in February 2026, eight months after a similar inquiry was announced in England and Wales. That inquiry, announced by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in June 2025, started work in April 2026.

A national review published in September, also overseen by Professor Jay, found that a lack of data meant there was no reliable national picture of the scale of grooming gang offending in Scotland.

The new inquiry is independent of Scottish ministers, and its chair decides how it is run in line with its remit and terms of reference. It is distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry chaired by Lady Smith.