A new opportunity for survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation to share their expertise, influence government policy and help shape meaningful change
For too long, survivors have been asked to share their experiences while decisions about the systems affecting them are made elsewhere. A new initiative aims to change that.
On 26 October 2026, the government announced the creation of the Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Victim and Survivor Advisory Panel, hosted independently by the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.
The panel will bring together adult survivors with lived experience of child sexual abuse and exploitation, giving them an opportunity to contribute directly to government discussions, challenge decision-makers and influence the policies and services intended to protect and support survivors.
An opportunity to shape change
The panel will welcome survivors from different backgrounds and experiences across England and Wales, covering all forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, including grooming gangs.
Backed by up to £1 million in Home Office funding over three years, the initiative aims to make participation meaningful, safe and accessible, with specialist support, training and payment for members’ time and expertise.
A wider network of survivors and specialist organisations will also help inform the panel’s work, recognising that no single group can represent every survivor’s experience.
Why this matters
At Make Yourself Heard, we believe lived experience has an essential role in creating meaningful change.
Survivors understand where systems fall short, what support is missing and how decisions made behind closed doors can affect people’s lives for years.
But meaningful engagement must go beyond being invited into a room. It requires independence, proper support, transparency and a willingness from those in power to act on what they hear.
This new panel represents a welcome opportunity to put those principles into practice.
Interested in getting involved?
Recruitment will open shortly, with the panel expected to begin its work in spring 2027.
If you’re an adult survivor of child sexual abuse or exploitation living in England or Wales, you may wish to consider applying when recruitment opens.
The Victims' Commissioner will publish further information about eligibility, the application process, and timings.
Find out more and follow recruitment updates:
https://victimscommissioner.org.uk/csae-victim-survivor-advisory-panel/
Participation is entirely a personal choice. No survivor should feel obliged to share their experiences to help improve the system.
