A statutory public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland formally begins today, 11 November 2026. The Jay Inquiry, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay, will examine the scale, extent and prevalence of abuse over three decades and how institutions responded to it.

The inquiry was set up under the Inquiries Act 2005 and is independent of Scottish Ministers, which means Professor Jay decides how it is run, in line with its terms of reference. Those terms were set out on 5 November 2026 and cover the period from 1 January 1996 to the inquiry's setting-up date.

What the inquiry will examine

Under its terms of reference, the inquiry will investigate Scotland's response to group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, scrutinise any failures by responsible organisations, including any deliberate concealment, and explore the characteristics of perpetrators so that risk factors can be better understood.

It will also identify what changes are needed to strengthen practice, policy and, where required, legislation to protect children. The inquiry is distinct from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry chaired by Lady Smith, and will avoid unnecessary duplication of matters already examined elsewhere.

Survivors to be heard

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan, who announced the inquiry to Parliament, 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."

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

Anyone holding information relevant to the inquiry's terms of reference can contact it by email at public@jayinquiry.scot. Further information on protocols will be published in due course. Read the official Jay Inquiry page on gov.scot and the North Edinburgh News report on the announcement.