In April 2026, the government launched a Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, which is to be chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield. The Inquiry will carry out both national and local investigations to examine and address the institutional failures to protect young children from grooming gangs. It aims to hold organisations and individuals to account and make recommendations to prevent future abuse.
Another inquiry, The Rape Gang Inquiry Report was published on Tuesday 16 June. Championed by right wing MP, Rupert Lowe, it highlights institutional failures to meaningfully respond to and support survivors of group-based rape and sexual abuse. Whilst the report has been openly criticised for its political and racially targeted agenda, the horrific abuse and violence that young girls were subjected to is undeniable.
In this article we summarise the circumstances that have led to these two public inquiries and the key learnings for institutions responsible for safeguarding young girls.
How this reached the national agenda
Concerns about organised child sexual exploitation (CSE) gangs have been the subject of public scrutiny in the UK for more than 20 years. High-profile investigations in towns including Rotherham, Rochdale, Telford and Oxford uncovered patterns of serious abuse involving vulnerable girls who were groomed, trafficked, raped and subjected to violence over extended periods.
These investigations revealed that, in many cases, the abuse was not only perpetrated by the offenders themselves but was compounded by institutional failures. Victims and survivors frequently reported that they were not believed, were viewed as troublesome or consenting participants in their own exploitation. In essence they were failed by agencies that did not take their allegations seriously or assess the risks they faced. Opportunities to intervene were missed, information was not effectively collated or shared between organisations and red flags were not followed up on. Potentially, this is a ‘failure to protect’ on a massive scale.
While there has been significant discussion regarding the ethnicity of the majority of those arrested, charged and convicted, safeguarding professionals need to identify and recognise that child sexual exploitation can occur across all communities, social groups and demographic backgrounds. On occasion, professionals have been reluctant to identify the ethnic background of abusers for fear of being accused of racism at the expense of safeguarding these children and others.
These two public inquiries reflect a continuing recognition that lessons still need to be learned. At the very least the survivors are owed these investigations while the partners who failed to protect them need to be held accountable for their action/inaction.
Key lessons for safeguarding professionals
Although the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is ongoing, previous investigations have already identified several important lessons for institutions responsible for safeguarding children and young people.
1. Establish a victim and survivor centred approach
One of the most consistent themes across previous reviews is the failure to talk to, listen and respond appropriately to the child’s voice.
Many victims disclosed an abuse, directly or indirectly, many years before formal investigations began. However, disclosures were often minimised, misunderstood or dismissed. In some cases, professionals interpreted concerning behaviours, such as going missing from home, substance misuse, school absence as evidence of poor choices rather than signs of exploitation.
Safeguarding organisations must establish a trauma centred approach that supports victims and survivors. This can help professionals understand the ways in which abuse affects behaviour and decision-making, reducing the risk of victim-blaming and increasing the likelihood that concerns are identified early.
2. Multi-agency working Is essential
No single organisation has a complete picture of a child's circumstances.
Effective safeguarding relies on strong collaboration between schools, social care services, healthcare providers, emergency services, police and community organisations. Information that appears insignificant in isolation may reveal serious concerns when combined with information held elsewhere.
Previous investigations have highlighted the consequences of fragmented working practices, where different agencies possessed pieces of information but failed to connect them up. Clear pathways for information sharing, joint risk assessments and the establishment of multi-agency child protection teams (MACPT) are vital components of effective child protection partnership.
3. Culture can undermine good safeguarding
The culture within an organisation plays an equally important role.
Several reviews have identified environments in which professionals felt unable to challenge established views, raise concerns or escalate issues. Fear of criticism, reputational damage, organisational pressures and competing priorities can all contribute to a culture where safeguarding risks are not properly identified and addressed.
Leaders have a responsibility to create environments that encourage professional curiosity, constructive challenge and accountability. Staff should feel empowered to question decisions, escalate concerns and advocate for vulnerable children, regardless of protected characteristics, without fear of negative criticism.
4. Recognition of and reliance upon data and patterns of behaviour
Child sexual exploitation rarely occurs as a single isolated event. It is often characterised by patterns of behaviour that develop over time.
The following may all indicate exploitation:
- repeated associations with older males
- unexplained gifts
- changes in behaviour
- running away from home
- not attending school
- being picked up by taxis
- using alcohol and drugs
- sustained unaccounted for bruising and injuries
- online contact with unknown adults
- other recurring safeguarding concerns.
Robust data collection and analysis can help agencies identify emerging threats, allocate resources effectively and intervene earlier.
5. Long term support is crucial
For many survivors, the impact of exploitation extends far beyond the period in which the abuse occurred. Long-term effects can include mental health difficulties, relationship challenges, educational disruption and reduced trust in institutions.
Safeguarding responses should therefore focus not only on immediate protection but also on long-term recovery. Access to specialist support services, counselling, advocacy and practical assistance can play a vital role in helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Looking ahead
The two recent inquiries represent a significant opportunity to examine historic failings and current safeguarding processes.
For safeguarding professionals, the challenge is not simply to study past failures but to take accountability for action or inaction and embed key learnings into everyday practice.
Ultimately, the success of these inquiries will be measured not only by their findings but by the extent to which they drive meaningful change. This is the responsibility of every organisation entrusted with the welfare of children.
How we can help
Bond Solon offers a range of safeguarding courses aimed at ensuring that health and social care professionals can correctly identify, escalate, investigate and prevent cases where harm or abuse has occurred or is suspected.
The Essential Toolkit for Newly Qualified Social Workers aims to arm social workers working with children, young people and their families, with the skills needed to identify the signs for early intervention and support. The Advanced Toolkit for Experienced Social Workers updates and refreshes experienced social workers on their statutory responsibilities, benefiting advanced practitioners, senior social workers and supervisors.
To find out more about our safeguarding courses, please email info@bondsolon.com or call 020 7549 2549 to speak a member of our team.