National review of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation and child criminal exploitation
Foreword
Child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) and child criminal exploitation (CCE) are significant harms that have a devastating impact on survivors, their families and carers, and on wider Scottish society.
Children and young people impacted by these forms of harm require a careful, compassionate, trauma-informed and coordinated response that recognises the complexity of their experiences.
This national review into group-based CSAE and CCE was formally requested by Scottish Ministers in December 2025. The request outlined that this review be led by the Care Inspectorate and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS), working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland (HMIE).
The decision to request the four national scrutiny bodies to work jointly on this review reflects both the seriousness and complexity of group-based CSAE and CCE. All four scrutiny bodies are independent from the Scottish Government and the services responsible for public protection in local areas across Scotland.
Earlier this year, we set out the approach and methodology for the review, and this report presents our findings and recommendations. We would like to thank Professor Alexis Jay for the expert advice and guidance she provided in developing our approach. We are grateful for her input.
The national review assessed Chief Officers’ Groups’ (COGs) understanding and oversight of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation and child criminal exploitation.
Our joint team undertook a significant programme of work between February and July 2026 to complete this assessment. The team reviewed over 150 national documents, 3,400 supporting documents and conducted structured interviews with all 30 COGs in Scotland.
Understanding the extent and quality of local leadership, professional awareness and strategic oversight is essential to strengthening protection for children and young people. This provides an important foundation to inform subsequent work.
The absence of a national definition, consistent data collection and specific reporting requirements means neither partnerships nor national bodies can accurately determine the scale, prevalence, characteristics or threat posed by group-based child sexual abuse, exploitation or criminal exploitation.
We are confident that the findings and recommendations within this report will help strengthen national understanding of the harmful nature of group-based sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people. This report will support the collective efforts being made across Scotland to prevent harm, improve protection and ensure learning leads to meaningful change.
We would like to thank everyone who engaged with the review team, and provided documents and information, often in demanding circumstances and with tight deadlines.
Jackie Irvine, Care Inspectorate, Chief Executive
Craig Naylor, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland
Ruth Binks, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education Scotland
Robbie Pearson, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Chief Executive