Head of Strategy and Analysis - 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 Head of Strategy and Analysis is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping the Inquiry’s strategic direction, analytical framework and evidence synthesis. The post holder ensures that the Inquiry’s decisions on scope, sequencing, investigations and findings are underpinned by robust analysis and a coherent long‑term strategy.

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 build on and seek future promotion.

Operating at the heart of the Inquiry, the role provides authoritative advice to the Chair, Panel and senior leadership, translating complex multi‑source evidence into clear strategic options and recommendations. The post holder must exercise excellent judgement, discretion and analytical leadership in a highly scrutinised environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy development and oversight

• Lead the development and maintenance of the Inquiry’s overall strategy, including sequencing of workstreams, prioritisation of investigations and alignment to the Terms of Reference and ensuring coherence across policy, investigations, hearings and evidence‑gathering activity.

Analytical leadership and evidence synthesis

• Set and lead the Inquiry’s end‑to‑end analytical and evidence‑gathering strategy, establishing clear frameworks for analysing complex qualitative and quantitative evidence.
• Lead analysis of cross‑cutting themes, systemic issues and national patterns, testing findings against multiple sources.
• Work closely with legal teams, investigators and analysts to ensure outputs are rigorous, balanced and defensible.
• Translate complex evidence and analysis into clear strategic judgements shaping hearings, interim outputs and final recommendations.

Advice, briefing and decision support

• Produce high‑quality briefings, submissions and strategic advice for the Inquiry Chair, Panel members and senior leadership which support decision‑making by clearly articulating analytical conclusions, limitations and confidence levels.

Cross ‑ Inquiry and external insight

• Maintain awareness of emerging themes, learning and methodological approaches across other public inquiries and relevant reviews, ensuring appropriate use of comparative and contextual evidence, while protecting the Inquiry’s independence and statutory remit.

Risk, assurance and impact

• Identify strategic, analytical and reputational risks arising from evidence or emerging findings.

Line Management

This role requires effective line management of a small team (2-3 team members).

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

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

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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