National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Strategic Group meeting information: FOI release

Information requested

The following information relating to the meeting of the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Strategic Group held on 28 January 2026.

1. The agenda for the meeting.

2. The minutes or note of meeting.

3. Copies of any papers, presentations, or written updates tabled or circulated to members in advance of or during the meeting.

4. Any action logs, decision records, or agreed next steps arising from the meeting.

5. Copies of any briefings, submissions, updates, or correspondence provided to Ministers or Special Advisers following the meeting.

This request includes any records relating to discussion of:

• alternatives to a public inquiry into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation,
• Police Scotland’s self-assessment into group-based abuse, and
• proposals relating to mandatory reporting.

Response

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under section s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions apply are explained below. Where relevant documents are already in the public domain we have provided internet links, in the hope that these will be helpful to you.

An exemption(s) under s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to personal information and specifically the person data of third parties. This applies in this case as the information you have requested includes detailed data of third parties. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

The agenda and minutes of the National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group Meeting held on 28 January 2026 can be viewed on the Scottish Government’s website: National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group minutes: January 2026 - gov.scot. The agreed actions are included in the minutes.

The papers, presentations or written updates which were tabled or circulated to members in advance of or during the meeting included:

• Revised terms of reference
• Outcomes framework
• UK Government Recommendations Benchmarking paper.

Please find the revised terms of reference in the attached annex. The outcomes framework and UK Government Recommendations Benchmarking paper have been released in previous FOI requests. I have included the links to these below:

• National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group information: FOI release - gov.scot
• National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group meeting briefings: FOI release - gov.scot

Please find the readout which was provided to Ministers following the meeting in the attached annex.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202600503592 - Information released - Annex

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