Whether the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry is expected to report within four years of its establishment.

Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, wrote to me on 14 June 2018 to request a variation to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference with respect to its timescale. I have agreed to Lady Smith’s request that the wording is changed to require the Inquiry to report as soon as reasonably practicable. The revised Terms of Reference is now available on the Inquiry's Website . Lady Smith has assured me of her commitment to discharge her duties as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is of the utmost importance that this Inquiry is given the time to investigate its remit thoroughly and properly.
The original Terms of Reference called on the Chair to report to Ministers “within 4 years” of the date of its establishment, which was October 2015, although Lady Smith’s appointment as Chair did not occur until the end of July 2016. It will not be possible to report in that timescale due to the very wide remit of the Inquiry, covering from living memory to 2014, and a very large number of institutions providing child care in the range of settings covered.
It is clear the Inquiry is working hard and good progress is already evident. Evidence has been heard regarding the establishment of a number of providers, research has been undertaken in relation to the nature and prevalence of child abuse, societal attitudes to children, relevant legislative history and inspection systems. The Inquiry’s second case study is drawing near to a close with a third case study commencing in the Autumn. Work continues in preparation of other case studies, research, and analyses of thousands of documents recovered so far.
Lady Smith notes that a large number of applicants have come forward and continue to do so. I want to enable the Inquiry to hear from as many survivors as possible. It must take considerable courage for survivors to approach the Inquiry and talk about their experiences of being in care as children.
Separate from the Inquiry, a substantial amount of research, consultation and engagement has taken place on a potential financial redress scheme in Scotland for survivors of in-care abuse, as part of a wider package of reparations. The Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS) and the SHRC InterAction Action Plan Review Group, which includes survivor representatives, have been undertaking this work in partnership. I understand it is now nearing completion and I look forward to receiving the Group’s recommendations when available.