The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a national inquiry covering England and Wales. It is investigating the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by grooming gangs and how organisations responsible for protecting children responded.
The Inquiry is established under the Inquiries Act 2005 and is independent of the Government, Oldham Council and the other organisations it is investigating. The Inquiry decides what evidence it considers, who it hears from and what findings or recommendations it makes. Information on this page explains Oldham’s involvement and directs people to the independent Inquiry for official information about its work.
Oldham has been confirmed as one of the first areas to be subject to a Local Area Investigation. Oldham Council welcomes the independent scrutiny provided by the Inquiry and will cooperate fully with its work.
About the Inquiry
The Inquiry is examining what happened, why children were not protected and what needs to change. It will also carry out national accountability hearings and Local Area Investigations.
It has statutory powers to require organisations to provide documents and witnesses to give evidence. Local investigations may include public hearings, with hearings live-streamed and transcripts published by the Inquiry.
The Oldham Local Area Investigation
The Oldham Local Area Investigation will consider how Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse was identified and responded to in Oldham.
It will consider how relevant organisations responded, what was known, whether opportunities to protect children were missed, how victims and survivors were treated when they came forward, and whether previous recommendations were put into practice.
The Inquiry will gather evidence from documents, data and information held by organisations, as well as accounts from victims, survivors and other witnesses.
Oldham Council’s role
Oldham Council’s role is to cooperate with the independent Inquiry and provide information and evidence requested through the Inquiry’s formal processes.
The Council will not seek to anticipate the Inquiry’s findings or comment on evidence while it is being considered. Where the Inquiry identifies further learning for Oldham, the Council will consider it carefully, respond openly and make further improvements where required.
Latest updates
13 October 2026
Oldham Council continues to cooperate with the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs and respond to requests for information and evidence.
Further information about the timetable for Oldham’s Local Area Investigation will be published when it is formally confirmed by the Inquiry. This page will be updated when the Inquiry publishes further confirmed information about its work in Oldham.
Victims and survivors
Victims and survivors are central to the work of the Inquiry.
If you have been affected by child sexual exploitation or abuse, information about taking part in the Inquiry and the support provided through it is available through the Inquiry’s Victims and Survivors Hub.
Oldham Council recognises that information about the Inquiry may be upsetting or difficult to read. Information about local and national support is provided below.
Support options
- Engage with the independent Inquiry
- Get local support
- Report non-recent abuse
- Report a current safeguarding concern
Some people engaging with the Inquiry may no longer live locally, or may prefer more independent signposting. These organisations can help:
- Inquiry Victims and Survivors Hub
- Rape Crisis England & Wales - specialist support for women and girls affected by rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence
- We Are Survivors - specialist support for men and boys affected by sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation
- NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood) - support for adults affected by childhood abuse
- Victim Support - practical and emotional support for victims of crime and traumatic experiences
- NSPCC Helpline - advice and support where there are concerns about a child
- Galop - support for LGBT+ people affected by abuse, violence or exploitation
Report a safeguarding concern
If a child is in immediate danger
Call 999.
If you are concerned that a child may be at risk
Contact Oldham’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
- Telephone: 0161 770 7777
- Email: child.mash@oldham.gov.uk
If you are concerned that an adult may be at risk
Contact Oldham’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
- Telephone: 0161 770 7777
- Email: adult.mash@oldham.gov.uk
- Report abuse or neglect of an adult - online form
Frequently asked questions
Is the Inquiry run by Oldham Council?
No. The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is independent of Oldham Council, the Government and the organisations it is investigating.
Why is Oldham being investigated?
Oldham has been selected as one of the first areas for a Local Area Investigation. The investigation will examine how Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse was identified and responded to, what relevant organisations knew, how they acted and what needs to change.
What will the Oldham investigation examine?
The investigation may consider the nature and scale of abuse; what organisations knew or should have known; how concerns were identified, investigated and responded to; how victims and survivors were treated; whether opportunities to prevent harm were missed; and whether previous recommendations were put into practice.
When will the Oldham hearings take place?
The Inquiry has not yet confirmed the full timetable for the Oldham Local Area Investigation. We will update this page when official information is available.
Will hearings be public?
The Inquiry has stated that Local Area Investigations will include public hearings and that, where hearings take place, they will be live-streamed and transcripts published. Links will be added when made available by the Inquiry.
How can victims and survivors take part?
People wishing to share their experiences with the Inquiry should use the routes provided through the Inquiry’s official Victims and Survivors Hub. Contacting Oldham Council is not required before engaging with the Inquiry.
Is the Inquiry a criminal investigation?
No. The Inquiry is not a criminal investigation and cannot determine criminal or civil liability. However, it works closely with Operation Beaconport, a national criminal investigation overseen by the National Crime Agency, to ensure that evidence of criminal wrongdoing is acted upon and perpetrators are brought to justice.
How is Oldham Council responding to the Inquiry?
Oldham Council is cooperating with the Inquiry and responding to formal requests for relevant information and evidence. The Council will consider and respond to findings and recommendations relating to Oldham when they are published.
Media enquiries
All media enquiries relating to Oldham Council’s role in the Inquiry should be directed to the Council’s Communications Team. Due to the ongoing Inquiry, the Council may be limited in what it can comment on regarding matters under examination by the Inquiry.
- Communications Team email: pressoffice@oldham.gov.uk
The Council Communications Team responds on behalf of Oldham Council and does not speak on behalf of the independent Inquiry.