Specialist Advice Delivered with, Sensitivity and Clarity.
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is led by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE, with Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panellists. The inquiry began in April 2026, its purpose is to examine how group-based child sexual exploitation was able to occur, identify systemic and institutional failings, and make recommendations to strengthen safeguarding across England and Wales.
The Inquiry will examine cases involving two or more perpetrators who directly carried out, or facilitated, the sexual exploitation of children from 1 January 2000. Reviewing practice in selected local areas with evidence of past failings, it will consider how agencies responded to concerns and assess whether opportunities to protect children were missed. Victims’ and survivors’ experiences are central to its work, guiding its understanding of what went wrong and the reforms needed to prevent future harm.
In June 2026 the initial geographical areas of focus were identified as: Oldham, Bradford and Keighley and London. Other areas will be announced as the inquiry progresses.
Grooming gang abuse is a profound misuse of power. It often leaves survivors and their families feeling unheard, dismissed, or unsure where to turn. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Our Approach
We can act for victims of grooming gangs to represent their evidence to the inquiry. Our priority is to provide the careful, compassionate and expert support you need to pursue justice with confidence.
We take time to listen and understand your experience. We know how important acknowledgment, sensitivity and trust are when taking legal action.
Our experienced team supports clients throughout every stage of the process – ensuring your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and you remain informed and in control.
We expect a range of individuals and organisations to take part in the Inquiry, either as witnesses, experts or Core Participants. Those designated as Core Participants will have a formal status in the Inquiry that allows them to access disclosure (evidence), make legal submissions, and be involved with the questioning of witnesses.
Core Participant status is usually granted to those who have played a significant role in the matters under investigation, and/or who have been directly affected by them (so as to have a “significant interest” in proceedings). In this Inquiry, they are likely to include victims and survivors, campaigning organisations, police forces, local authorities, social services, government departments and politicians.
Public funding can be awarded in many cases to appoint legal representatives who will be able to advise you and put forward questions for witnesses and legal submissions on your behalf.
At Middleton Law, we have experience in inquiry work including acting for multiple core participants in the IICSA national abuse inquiry Lambeth Investigation.
If you have been affected by group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse and/or are interested in participating in the upcoming Grooming Gangs Public Inquiry, please fill out the contact Form or Call our expert team now.
Areas of expertise
Our team are experienced in a wide range of issues which include:
- Church of England Redress Scheme
- Eastwood Park Scheme
- Scottish Redress Scheme
- CICA claims
- Social services negligence
- Foster care abuse claims
- School abuse claims
- Scouting abuse claims
- Church abuse claim
- Vulnerable adult or children abuse and neglect claims
- Domestic abuse claims
- Inquiry work
- Jesus Fellowship Scheme
