Policy and Strategy Lead - Grooming Gangs Inquiry

The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs (IIGG or “the Inquiry”) was established under the Inquiries Act 2005 following Recommendation 2 of Baroness Louise Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (June 2025). The Inquiry will examine group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse, with a mandate to understand what happened, why institutional failings allowed it to continue, and what must change to protect children in the future.

The Inquiry is led by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE as Chair and supported by Panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE. It has full statutory powers to compel evidence and call witnesses across institutional and geographical boundaries.

The Policy and Strategy Lead will lead policy analysis and strategic policy development for the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, ensuring evidence gathered through consultation, investigations, hearings and research is translated into clear, robust and actionable findings and recommendations. The role supports the Chair, Panel and senior leadership by providing high-quality policy and strategy advice in a complex, high-profile and trauma-informed environment, while maintaining the Inquiry’s independence.

This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to develop core civil service policy experience within a high-profile Inquiry and would suit those looking to deliver a body of work with which to seek future promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Policy leadership and analysis

• Lead policy analysis underpinning the Inquiry’s strategic focus, aligned to the Terms of Reference and synthesise evidence from investigations and emerging findings.
• Identify systemic issues, policy gaps and cross-cutting themes relevant to group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Advice and decision support

• Provide timely policy advice to the Chair, Panel and Chief Executive/Secretary to support informed decision-making.
• Identify policy risks, sensitivities and dependencies; advise on options and mitigations.

Engagement and collaboration

• Lead policy engagement with government departments, agencies and arm's-length bodies, maintaining statutory independence.
• Work with analysts, safeguarding experts and stakeholders to inform policy analysis and strengthen recommendations and collaborate with legal, investigations, analytics, programme and communications colleagues.

Line Management

This role requires effective line management of 2-4 team members currently being recruited.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working.

Training

The Inquiry will provide staff with training on Safeguarding and Trauma, as well as core corporate responsibilities.

Travel

The Inquiry will have offices in London and Leeds. However, regular travel will be required to London for face-to-face meetings/engagements.

Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)/Loan

This post is being offered on a 12 months’ basis in order to complete a finite piece of work. Please refer to attached Candidate Information Pack.

The Inquiry timeline is 36 months, and the assignment may be extended subject to relevant approvals.

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