The project was scrutinised by the Inquiry’s own Research Ethics Committee and received ethical approval in September 2018. The Committee stipulated that participants had to be over 18 at the time of interview. Subsequently, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) National Research Committee (NRC), which governs research undertaken with those in prisons or under probation, gave approval for the work in November 2018.

An expert group, made up of individuals from different agencies with expertise in either child sexual exploitation or organised crime, was formed to support the project and act as a critical friend to the researchers.