The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has been established to investigate systemic failures in the protection of children and young people from group-based sexual exploitation and abuse. Established following Baroness Louise Casey's National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, the Inquiry will undertake targeted investigations across England and Wales, identifying where institutions and services failed to protect vulnerable children and making recommendations to deliver meaningful and lasting change. The Inquiry operates independently of government and will be chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the most significant public inquiries in recent years. Reporting directly to the Chair, the Secretary will serve as the Inquiry's chief executive and principal adviser, responsible for establishing and leading a new organisation capable of delivering a complex, high-profile and nationally important programme of work. Operating at the intersection of public policy, law, politics and public accountability, you will provide strategic leadership across every aspect of the Inquiry's operations while ensuring that the voices and experiences of victims and survivors remain at the heart of its work.

The successful candidate will bring outstanding leadership credentials, commercial and operational acumen, and a proven ability to deliver complex programmes in highly scrutinised environments. You will have the judgement and confidence to advise and challenge senior stakeholders, the credibility to build trust with victims and survivors, and the resilience to lead through difficult and often sensitive issues. Working closely with the Chair, Counsel and Solicitor to the Inquiry, you will be responsible for building a high-performing multidisciplinary team, establishing robust governance and financial controls, managing significant risks, and ensuring delivery to time, quality and budget.

We are interested in hearing from outstanding leaders who have demonstrated strategic and operational excellence in complex public, regulatory, investigative, oversight or mission-driven organisations. Whilst experience of public inquiries, reviews or statutory investigations would be valuable, we are particularly interested in individuals who combine strong organisational leadership with authenticity, courage, sound judgement and a deep commitment to public service. The role calls for a leader who is both compassionate and resolute, capable of navigating public scrutiny while maintaining the confidence of victims, survivors and stakeholders across government and beyond.

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
23:55 Sunday 16 August 2026

Long listing
Wednesday 19 August 2026

Preliminary interviews
Thursday 20 to Friday 28 August 2026

Short listing
Wednesday 2 September 2026

Informal Conversations
Week commencing 7 September 2026

Final panel
Weeks commencing 7 and 14 September 2026

How to Apply

Please complete your application no later than 23:55hrs on 16 August 2026.

You will be asked to provide:

• A CV - setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. Please provide reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
• A Statement of Suitability - (limited to 1250 words) providing examples of how your experience meets the essential criteria. This is your opportunity to give examples and show how your skills and experience fit the job requirements.

For an informal conversation, please contact our partners at GatenbySanderson: HOrecruitment@gatenbysanderson.com