Written 29th March 2026 by Matthew Claughton
Operation Soteria is the UK government’s programme to reform how rape and sexual offence cases are investigated and prosecuted. In March 2026, it was extended into courtrooms for the first time. If you have been accused of rape or a serious sexual offence, this article explains what has changed, what has not changed, and why specialist legal representation at the earliest possible stage has never been more important.
At Olliers Solicitors, we represent a significant number of clients each year who are either under investigation or facing prosecution in relation to allegations of rape or serious sexual offences (RASSO). A substantial part of our work takes place at the pre-charge stage — before any decision to prosecute has been made — where our primary objective is to prevent a prosecution altogether. The extension of Operation Soteria into the courtroom is therefore of direct relevance to every client we represent.
A note on terminology: complainants or victims?
Before addressing Operation Soteria, it is worth noting a shift in language that may seem confusing if you are facing an allegation. For the first 20 or so years of my nearly 40 years as a criminal defence lawyer, allegations of sexual offending were described using the term “complainant” until conviction — reflecting legal neutrality and the presumption of innocence under Article 6(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Since the Victims’ Code (2005) and the later move towards trauma-informed policing, the term “victim” is now routinely used from the point of first report, despite no finding of guilt. While courts remain formally neutral, this cultural shift can feel deeply unjust to someone who maintains their innocence. It does not change the legal standard you will be held to.
When was Operation Soteria launched and what was its purpose?
Definition — Operation Soteria
Operation Soteria is the UK government’s research-led programme, launched in 2021 following the Cross-Government Rape Review, to address longstanding failures in the investigation and prosecution of adult rape cases. It introduced a suspect-centred approach — focusing on the accused’s behaviour and conduct rather than concentrating on victim credibility — underpinned by collaboration between the CPS, police, government departments and independent academics.
Definition — National Operating Model (NOM)
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, make charging decisions, and support victims at the pre-charge stage. It was developed from research conducted across Pathfinder CPS Areas under Operation Soteria and marked the most significant reform of rape prosecution practice in decades.
The NOM’s roll-out was incremental, supported by new guidance, training, supervision and targeted recruitment. External inspection produced mixed findings. In July 2024, HMICFRS (HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services) reported early cultural and practice improvements in police forces adopting Soteria, but highlighted serious resource pressures, skills gaps and risks to sustainability.
In July 2025, HMCPSI (His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate) was critical of CPS performance at the early advice and pre-charge stage, identifying inconsistent application of the NOM, weak focus on suspect behaviour, and deficiencies in prosecutorial decision-making. The CPS accepted all eight recommendations immediately, committing to urgent remedial action. Most implementation deadlines fell within 2025; the final deadline is July 2026.
From October 2025, the CPS implemented a Rape Action Plan to strengthen oversight, upskill prosecutors and improve public confidence. Central to this was the introduction of local and national rape scrutiny panels. The Annual Rape Scrutiny Report (October 2025) reflected scrutiny of over one hundred cases across all CPS Areas, reinforcing accountability and continuous improvement.
What changed in March 2026 and why does it matter?
On 10 March 2026, the UK Government announced two major measures to improve the handling of rape cases in the criminal justice system:
Definition — National Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) Service
The National Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) Service for Rape Victims is a new government-funded service providing free, specialist legal advice to rape victim-survivors throughout investigations and trials. ILAs advise complainants, not defendants. If you are accused of rape or a sexual offence, an ILA does not represent your interests — you require your own independent specialist solicitor.
The expansion of Operation Soteria’s principles into courtrooms was introduced by David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary. He stated that the measures would “ensure victims have the protection and support they deserve” and help “put victims first” in the justice system. He commissioned Professor Katrin Hohl — criminology academic and the government’s independent adviser on sexual violence — to lead a review of court practices in rape cases.
“Operation Soteria has already transformed police and CPS approaches. This study is an important step toward extending those principles all the way through to the courtroom.”
Professor Katrin Hohl, Government Independent Adviser on Sexual ViolenceSiobhan Blake, CPS National Rape Lead, confirmed that prosecutors are trained to challenge myths in the courtroom so that “no victim ever feels as though they are on trial.”
Extending Operation Soteria into the courtroom — what happens next?
Until now, Operation Soteria has focused on the investigative and pre-charge phase. The March 2026 extension into the courtroom means:
- An independent review by Professor Hohl examining current courtroom practices — including lines of questioning about a victim’s sexual history, judicial directions on rape myths, and whether outdated procedures allow the defence to disadvantage victims.
- A post-charge pilot in London courts testing new protocols focusing on the defendant’s conduct rather than the victim’s credibility. Findings will lead to recommendations on judicial and barrister training.
- Shifting trial focus toward the defendant’s actions and patterns — evidence of predatory behaviour or past relevant conduct rather than dissecting the victim’s behaviour.
- Addressing court delays — the announcement coincided with the Courts and Tribunals Bill and data projecting tens of thousands fewer cases in the Crown Court backlog by 2035.
What has NOT changed — the burden of proof and presumption of innocence
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.
The Charging Standard is unchanged. The CPS may only charge where there is a realistic prospect of conviction — meaning a jury properly directed is more likely than not to convict. This is the test we challenge at the pre-charge stage on behalf of every client we represent.
Disclosure obligations are unchanged. Prosecutors retain a legal duty to disclose material that may undermine the prosecution case, even where doing so causes difficulties for a complainant.
If the quality of decision-making improves as a result of these reforms, weaker cases should be more easily identifiable. With properly instructed defence representation engaging with investigators and making effective representations against charge, there should be nothing to fear from a system that is doing its job correctly.
It is also important to remember that some complainants are mistaken and some complaints are fabricated — something we discuss in detail in our article Why Do False Sexual Allegations Happen?
For the background to how rape investigations and prosecutions have changed over the last five years, see our detailed analysis: How have RASSO investigations and prosecutions evolved over five years? For the specific findings of the HMCPSI July 2025 inspection report on pre-charge decision-making in adult rape cases, which contained eight accepted recommendations — all with implementation dates now upon us — see our separate analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Questions the people we represent ask most often about Operation Soteria, the ILA service, and what these changes mean for someone under investigation or facing prosecution for rape or a serious sexual offence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Olliers — not a general criminal defence firm
The majority of Olliers’ RASSO clients are never charged. Intervention at the pre-charge stage — before the CPS makes its decision — is where cases are won or closed. This is a specialism, not a standard service.
Matthew Claughton — Chambers & Partners ranked 2026, Legal 500 ranked, 40 years in criminal defence. Not an anonymous team. Named, verifiable, experienced in the specific area your case involves.
We understand exactly how the National Operating Model is being applied — and where it is not. When we challenge a charging decision, we do so with specific knowledge of how the CPS is supposed to be operating under Soteria, and where they are falling short.
Police station attendance 24 hours a day. Pre-charge engagement initiated from day one. We do not wait for a charge to be authorised before building the defence — we challenge the basis for one before it arrives.
If Operation Soteria’s increased pressure on rape investigations applies to your case — or could — the time to instruct a specialist solicitor is now, not after a charging decision has been made.
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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.