At Switalskis, we represent a number of survivors involved in the Government’s national inquiry into grooming gangs, including Fiona Goddard, who has now resigned from the victims and survivors liaison panel alongside Ellie Reynolds and a third survivor, “Elizabeth.”

Their resignations reflect growing concern that the inquiry has failed to gain the trust and confidence of those it was established to support. Survivors have spoken of a “toxic environment” and fears that the process has been “scripted and predetermined,” raising serious questions about transparency, independence and leadership.

Our Head of Child Abuse Law , David Greenwood , who also represented survivors during the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), has spoken publicly on behalf of those who feel deeply let down by recent developments.

“Child sexual exploitation survivors deserve respect. Their voices must be listened to and reflected in the terms of reference.

“If the inquiry’s recommendations are to be implemented, it has to have the confidence of survivors, otherwise it risks wasting over £100 million and years of work.

“The public want this completed within two years - it cannot be allowed to drag on for five years or more.

“It should be chaired by a High Court judge or recently retired High Court judge who can build confidence by engaging openly with survivors, as Mr Justice Moore-Bick did during the Grenfell Inquiry.”

David also expressed frustration that the 20 key recommendations made by IICSA, which the Government accepted in principle, have still not been implemented, despite the inquiry’s findings being published three years ago this month.

“We already have a clear, evidence-based roadmap for improving child protection in this country. Those IICSA recommendations were shaped by survivors and approved by Government. To delay or shelve them while launching another inquiry sends the wrong message and risks repeating the same mistakes.”

Three years on and still waiting for action

Three years after the publication of IICSA’s final report, survivors are still waiting to see meaningful change. Only two of the 20 recommendations have been implemented, and no clear timetable has been set for the rest. During this time it is estimated 1.5 million children have suffered sexual assaults, many of which could have been prevented, had the government prioritised safeguarding.

This lack of progress stands in sharp contrast to actions following other Inquiries such as infected blood and the post office.

Group-based child sexual exploitation affects children across the country too, and it deserves to be treated with the same urgency, seriousness and commitment.

The unfinished business of IICSA

Earlier this year, Switalskis joined The Survivors Trust and ACT on IICSA, led by Professor Alexis Jay and John O’Brien, for a national discussion on the Government’s response to IICSA’s findings. Despite clear commitments, progress has been limited.

Among the most urgent priorities are the creation of an independent Child Protection Authority, sustainable funding for specialist support services, and a clear, public timetable for implementing all outstanding recommendations.

Our call for action

Switalskis continues to stand with survivors and the ACT on IICSA campaign in calling for:

• Immediate implementation of all 20 IICSA recommendations
• A survivor-centred national response led by an independent authority
• Transparency and meaningful engagement with survivors at every stage

Three years on, the message remains clear - survivors must be heard, believed and protected. The time for promises has passed, now is the time for action.

Contact us

 If you are a survivor of grooming or abuse and would like to speak to someone in confidence, our experienced legal team is here to support you. Read more about how we support group-based abuse survivors here.

To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.