Watchdogs in Scotland have determined that the full extent of grooming gang activity remains unknown due to systemic failures in data collection and intelligence sharing among authorities. A review found that fewer than half of local child protection partnerships are not collecting vital information, such as ethnicity, disability, and care experience of victims, hindering an accurate assessment of group-based child sexual exploitation.
The findings, published by the Care Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland, indicate that the current system is incapable of providing a clear understanding of organized child exploitation. The absence of a national definition, consistent data collection, and specific reporting requirements means neither local partnerships nor national bodies can accurately determine the scale, prevalence, characteristics, or threat posed by such abuse.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Stephen Kerr criticized the situation, calling it a "national disgrace" and a "damning indictment of the SNP’s record on protecting vulnerable children." He noted that ministers have been unable to ascertain the true scale of abuse despite years of warnings and a previous resistance to an inquiry based on a "lack of evidence."
The review, commissioned by the Scottish Government in December of the previous year amid growing political pressure, examined how public bodies respond to organized child exploitation. Investigators analyzed over 150 national documents and thousands of submissions from local agencies, interviewing senior figures from various public bodies.
The report also highlighted shortcomings in intelligence sharing. Police Scotland’s Partners Intelligence Portal, intended for local authorities, health boards, and charities to submit intelligence, was found to be underused due to limited awareness and inconsistent application across Scotland. This has likely resulted in missed opportunities to build a comprehensive intelligence picture.
Concerns were also raised about the capacity of health services to identify vulnerable youngsters early. Information on the ethnicity of alleged victims was not routinely collected, and statutory health assessments for looked-after children were not always completed on time. Furthermore, "routine enquiry," where health professionals proactively ask about experiences of abuse, was inconsistently used in accident and emergency departments, addiction services, and mental health settings.
The report questions the effectiveness of measures taken against offenders. Almost all of Scotland’s local partnerships reported that no Trafficking and Exploitation Risk Orders or Prevention Orders had been sought in the preceding two years. These orders are designed to place restrictions on individuals suspected or convicted of exploitation-related offending.
Several recommendations have been made to ministers, including the establishment of a national definition for group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation, the introduction of standardized data collection across Scotland, and improvements to data-sharing arrangements. Updates to national child protection guidance are also called for to enhance awareness of warning signs and risk factors.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan stated that the Scottish Government accepts each recommendation and will "work urgently to implement the changes needed." The government commissioned this work to "establish facts and be a catalyst for change."
Separately, the long-running Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, chaired by retired High Court judge Lady Smith, is set to launch a dedicated investigation into grooming gangs who prey on youngsters in care. This phase of its work is scheduled for the following year. A separate public inquiry, led by Professor Alexis Jay, will examine the wider problem of group-based sexual abuse.
Meanwhile, an inquiry into grooming gangs is also underway in England, led by Baroness Anne Longfield and commenced in April. The devastating impact of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and child criminal exploitation on victims, families, and society was acknowledged by Jackie Irvine, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, who noted the report's recommendations aim to strengthen understanding and improve protection for children and young people.