Scotland's Redress Scheme: combined annual report 2023

4. Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is examining the abuse of children in care. It was set up on 1 October 2015 and is chaired by Lady Anne Smith.

The Inquiry will report to Scottish Ministers as soon as reasonably practicable, with recommendations to improve the law, policies and practices in Scotland.

More information including the terms of reference and how to make contact is available on the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry website.

Role of government

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is independent of government and was established under the Inquiries Act 2005. As such, it must be undertaken in accordance with that Act and, where applicable, with the Inquiries (Scotland) Rules 2007.

The Act and rules set out what an inquiry must do or what it may have powers to do. There are also provisions within the Act relating to ministers’ duties and powers which cover establishing the inquiry, terms of reference, chair and panel appointments.

We act as sponsor to the inquiry and assist it with financial and operational matters. We also support ministers in their statutory obligations set out in the Inquiries Act 2005 and their duties to the Scottish Parliament in relation to the inquiry.