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.

Grooming Gang Investigations Reopened: Your Questions Answered

Written 16th June 2026 by Matthew Claughton

What happened today (16.06.26)?

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has confirmed that previously closed grooming gang cases are now being reopened as part of a nationwide review. Eight cases have already been sent back to police forces for reinvestigation.

This is the first step in what is expected to be a large-scale reassessment of hundreds, potentially thousands, of cases.

What is Operation Beaconport?

Operation Beaconport is a national policing initiative launched to review historic investigations into child sexual exploitation.

It focuses on cases:

Between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2025
Involving multiple suspects and multiple victims
Where no further action (NFA) was originally taken

By late 2025, 1,273 cases from 23 police forces had already been referred for review.

Why are these cases being reopened?

The review follows the Baroness Casey Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation.

That report identified serious concerns, including in some cases victims were not properly heard or supported, lines of enquiry were not fully pursued and there were inconsistencies in how cases were handled.

The aim is to ensure that missed opportunities are now properly investigated.

Does reopening a case mean someone will definitely be charged?

No. Reopening a case does not mean charges will follow. For a charge to be brought, prosecutors must still apply the Full Code Test under the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which requires:

Sufficient evidence to provide a ‘realistic prospect of conviction’
A decision that prosecution is in the ‘public interest’

If the evidential stage is not met, the case cannot proceed, regardless of the seriousness of the allegations.

Why were these cases closed in the first place?

Many of these cases were previously closed after investigators and prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to meet the charging standard, or further action was not justified under the Full Code Test

Importantly:

A decision to take no further action does not mean allegations were false – only that the legal threshold for prosecution was not met at the time.

What has changed now?

The current review is looking at whether:

Further evidence is now available
Investigations at the time missed key lines of enquiry
Cases should be reconsidered using current investigative standards

In some instances, earlier reviews identified what appeared to be human error or incomplete investigative practice.

What does this mean if you are contacted by the police?

If you are contacted in relation to a reopened grooming investigation, it is a serious development.

You may face:

A renewed police investigation
Requests for interview or further evidence
The possibility of a case being referred again to the CPS

Taking early legal advice is essential.

What is the pre-charge stage and why does it matter?

The pre-charge stage is the period before any formal charge is brought.

This is often the most important stage of a case.

Effective representation at this stage can:

Shape how evidence is presented
Identify weaknesses in the case
Influence whether a case proceeds at all

How do solicitors help in grooming gang investigations?

Specialist solicitors play a critical role in:

Advising clients during police interviews
Ensuring fair treatment and proper procedure
Challenging weak or incomplete evidence
Preparing pre-charge representations to the police and CPS

These cases are often complex, involving multiple allegations, historic evidence and large volumes of digital material

Does this affect people in Greater Manchester?

Yes. Greater Manchester has historically been one of the regions where group-based grooming investigations have been significant, and it is likely that some cases under review will involve this area.

Olliers has particular experience in:

https://www.olliers.com/services/grooming-gang-investigations/

What should you do if you are under investigation?

If you are under investigation or concerned about a historic allegation:

Do not ignore police contact
Seek specialist legal advice immediately
Avoid discussing the matter with others before taking advice

Early advice can significantly affect the outcome.

Why choose Olliers?

Olliers is an award-winning criminal defence firm with extensive experience in serious and sensitive cases.

Our team:

Represents clients in complex sexual offence investigations
Advises at the earliest stages, including pre-charge
Handles high-profile and multi-defendant cases with discretion

Final Thoughts

The reopening of historic grooming gang investigations marks a significant shift in policing and prosecution policy.

It reflects:

A renewed focus on accountability and thorough investigation
A recognition that past decisions may need to be revisited

But the fundamental legal principles remain the same:

Cases must meet the evidential threshold
The process must remain fair and balanced

Need Advice?

If you are concerned about a reopened investigation, our team is available to provide confidential, expert advice at an early stage.

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

Satellite Office

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.