What is Operation Soteria?

Operation Soteria is the UK government’s programme, launched in 2021, to reform how rape and serious sexual offence cases are investigated and prosecuted. It introduced a research-led, suspect-centred approach developed in collaboration between the CPS, police, government departments and independent academics. It is underpinned by the National Operating Model (NOM), published by the CPS in July 2023. Its principles were extended into courtroom proceedings for the first time in March 2026.

What changed about Operation Soteria in March 2026?

In March 2026, Deputy PM David Lammy announced that Operation Soteria’s suspect-focused principles would be extended into courtroom proceedings for the first time. Professor Katrin Hohl was commissioned to lead an independent review of court practices, and a post-charge pilot was launched in London courts to test new protocols. The aim is to ensure rape trials focus on the defendant’s conduct rather than challenging the victim’s credibility.

What is the National Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) service and does it advise defendants?

The National Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) service provides free, specialist legal advice to rape victim-survivors throughout investigations and trials. It is backed by £6 million over two years and launched in 2026. ILAs advise complainants, not defendants. If you are accused of rape or a sexual offence, an ILA does not represent your interests in any way. You need your own independent specialist RASSO solicitor from the earliest possible stage.

What is the National Operating Model (NOM) for rape cases?

The National Operating Model (NOM) is the CPS framework published in July 2023 that standardises how RASSO prosecutors across all CPS areas must review cases and make charging decisions. It requires a suspect-centred approach — focusing on the accused’s behaviour and building evidence-based cases. HMCPSI’s July 2025 inspection found the NOM was not being consistently applied across CPS areas, and the CPS accepted all eight resulting recommendations for improvement.

Will Operation Soteria’s courtroom expansion make it more likely I will be convicted?

Operation Soteria has contributed to the CPS charge rate for adult rape rising from approximately 3% in 2020 to 9% in 2024–25 (Rape Crisis England and Wales). The courtroom extension aims to reduce victim withdrawal and counter jury bias. However, the Charging Standard remains unchanged — a case can only proceed where there is a realistic prospect of conviction. With proper specialist pre-charge representation, weak cases can still be challenged at the point before a prosecution decision is made.

Has the burden of proof changed under Operation Soteria?

No. The burden of proof in rape cases is unchanged. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The presumption of innocence under Article 6(2) ECHR remains fully in force. Operation Soteria changes how cases are investigated and how trials are conducted — it does not alter the fundamental legal standard the Crown must meet to secure a conviction against you.

What is the Charging Standard and what does “realistic prospect of conviction” mean?

The Charging Standard is the legal threshold contained in the Code for Crown Prosecutors that must be met before the CPS can charge a suspect. In a rape or RASSO case, it requires that there is a realistic prospect of conviction — meaning a jury properly directed is more likely than not to convict. At Olliers Solicitors, our pre-charge representations are specifically focused on demonstrating to prosecutors that this threshold is not met, thereby avoiding a prosecution altogether.

Why do I need a specialist solicitor if I am accused of rape under Operation Soteria?

Operation Soteria has increased the resources, scrutiny, and institutional pressure applied to rape investigations. A suspect-centred approach means investigators focus directly on your behaviour and conduct from the earliest stage. Specialist pre-charge representation by an experienced RASSO solicitor — someone who understands the NOM, the Charging Standard, and how to make effective representations before a charging decision is made — is more critical now than at any point in the last decade. Early instruction is not optional. It is the difference between prosecution and no further action.

What should I do if I am contacted by the police about a sexual offence?

Written 15th June 2026 by Matthew Claughton

If the police contact you about a sexual offence allegation, do not answer questions or attend any interview before taking specialist legal advice. You are entitled to advice first, and the decisions made in the first days of an investigation often shape the entire outcome.

If you are unsure how the process begins, read our guide on what happens after a sexual offence allegation is made.

Do I have to speak to the police straight away?

No, and in most cases you should not do so without legal advice. It can be tempting to try to clear things up quickly, particularly if you believe the allegation is unfounded. However:

Anything you say may be recorded or relied upon later
Early misunderstandings can become part of the case
You may not yet know the full allegation against you

Taking advice first allows you to understand your position and approach the situation properly.

Will I be arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview?

There are two common scenarios:

Arrest and interview under caution: see your rights at the police station
Invitation to attend a voluntary police interview

A voluntary interview may feel less serious, but it carries the same risks. In some cases people are actually less well prepared for voluntary interviews, which can cause real difficulties.

What should I do immediately after being contacted?

Seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible
Do not discuss the matter with third parties
Preserve any potential evidence (messages, emails, records)
Avoid deleting or altering any digital material

Digital communications are often central in these cases: see what role digital evidence plays in sexual offence cases.

Why early legal advice is so important

The investigation stage is when key decisions are made. Police and prosecutors are asking one question: is there a realistic prospect of conviction? That decision depends on the evidence available at the time. Early legal advice allows preparation for interview, consideration of pre-charge engagement, and identification of evidence that supports your account.

How early advice can change the direction of an investigation

Toby Wilbraham, assisted by Aimee Derbyshire-Ellison represented GF, a male in his fifties, who was alleged to have sexually assaulted his sister on 2 separate historic occasions. The first was alleged to have taken place when she was 4 years old and the second time when he stayed at her home address over 10 years before arrest.

He was interviewed and provided an account denying the offence. Following arrest he instructed Olliers to deal with the case by way of pre-charge-engagement with the police.

Toby and Aimee initially took detailed instructions than sought to obtain evidence that corroborated the account he had provided in interview and other evidence that undermined the complainant’s account.

Material obtained included:

Witness statements from family members that suggested that the complainant had a habit of making false complaints against other people and other family members.
Witness statements from other people she had made false allegations against.
Character witnesses who indicated that they couldn’t believe that the complaint was true.
Social Media evidence provided by the complainant that undermined her allegation.
A psychological review of the complainant which suggested that the complainant may have a personality disorder.

After sending this material to the police they eventually offered no evidence against GF which was a huge relief to him and his family.

What about bail or restrictions?

If you are arrested, you may be released on pre-charge bail or released under investigation. Bail conditions can restrict your movements or contact with others, sometimes for extended periods. Understanding your rights, and whether conditions can be challenged, matters:

Pre-charge bail in rape cases, and how long it can last

Police bail vs released under investigation: the difference

Can police bail conditions be changed?

What if the allegation is false?

If the allegation is inaccurate or false, early action becomes even more important. A proactive defence can identify evidence that contradicts the allegation, highlight inconsistencies, and provide important context to communications or behaviour.

You may also find it helpful to read why false sexual allegations happen.

How Olliers can help

Our award-winning team of criminal defence solicitors has extensive experience in handling sexual offence allegations, particularly at the investigation stage. We focus on early intervention and strategic advice, identifying and preserving key evidence, preparing clients properly for interview, and making representations where appropriate to prevent charge.

If you have been contacted by the police about a sexual offence allegation, early advice can make a significant difference.

Contact our specialist team in confidence

We understand how distressing it can be to face an allegation without knowing what comes next. You are not alone. If you are under investigation, our experienced team can help you understand your options and take proactive steps to protect your future.

If you are facing an allegation involving any kind of sexual offence please contact our new enquiry team on 020 883 6790 (London) or 0161 834 1515 (Manchester) , email info@olliers.com or complete the web enquiry form below.

Matthew Claugton

Managing Director

Manchester

Head Office

London

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About the Author
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Matthew Claughton( Managing Director )

Olliers’ Managing Director Matthew Claughton is an outstanding criminal defence lawyer ranked by the Legal 500 2026 as a top tier practitioner in criminal law as well as the Northern Powerhouse Criminal Lawyer of the Year 2023. He has won the Manchester Legal Awards Partner of the Year twice.