Police forces making progress tackling group-based child sexual exploitation, but key national failings remain
Report reveals improvements in training and victim support but warns of gaps in data and inconsistent definitions
Police forces across England and Wales are making progress in how they respond to group-based child sexual exploitation, according to a new national inspection – but serious gaps remain in data collection, training, and the adoption of a consistent definition of the crime.
The latest report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) follows up on recommendations made in 2023 after years of institutional failings were highlighted by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
Improvements seen in frontline policing
Inspectors found that nearly all police forces have now adopted the IICSA definition of group-based child sexual exploitation – a key step in understanding and tackling this form of abuse.
They also praised the impact of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Hydrant Programme, which has provided specialist training, learning support, and better strategic data tools for officers investigating child sexual exploitation cases.
It says more forces are working proactively with partners to raise awareness in communities and disrupt criminal networks. Initiatives like Operation Makesafe – which trains hospitality and transport staff to spot signs of exploitation – are being rolled out in more areas, and some forces have reopened historic cases as a result of improved internal reviews.
Cultural change programmes have also helped tackle the use of victim-blaming language, and in most cases reviewed, victims were found to be better supported and safeguarded.
Four 2023 recommendations still unmet
Despite the progress, the report outlines a number of recommendations from 2023 that remain incomplete – particularly around how data is collected, flagged, and shared.
Four key actions due by the end of 2024 have not been met, including the adoption of the IICSA definition by the Home Office and Department for Education in their national guidance. This omission is described in the report as “disappointing” and a barrier to national coordination.
Over half of police forces are still not including data from local partners such as social services and charities in their assessments, and flagging of child sexual exploitation cases on police systems remains inconsistent and often inaccurate.
Six new recommendations issued:
As part of the 2025 progress review, six new recommendations have been made. These include:
Full adoption of the IICSA definition by all relevant agencies by 31st March 2026
A national data collection solution to be in place by 31st December 2026
Mandatory use of the Hydrant Programme's problem profile template across all forces
A requirement for all forces to have a strategy to implement Operation Makesafe by 31st July 2026
Long-term impact on victims
The report reiterates that many children affected by group-based sexual exploitation endure repeated abuse over long periods and may not speak out for years, if ever. The emotional, psychological and physical harm can be lifelong.
Inspectors say that while notable progress has been made – particularly during a time of stretched policing budgets – a fully coordinated national response is still lacking.
The report calls for urgency and consistency, warning that without a clearer national picture, victims may still fall through the cracks.