Safeguarding Investigation Moves to Next Phase

Anglican Diocese of Winchester
July 16, 2013

http://www.winchester.anglican.org/news/story/1005/

THE INDEPENDENTLY-LED INVESTIGATION into the handling of a church safeguarding complaint in Jersey in 2008 is now moving to its next phase which will include a public call for evidence, the Diocese of Winchester has announced.

Following the announcement of the Investigation in May, Dame Heather Steel, who has been appointed as the lead investigator, has initially been dealing with the considerable amount of existing evidence regarding the complaint and how it was handled. Her inquiries will now move into a public phase, which will see a call for evidence and the Investigation’s Terms of Reference published on the Diocese of Winchester website and in local Jersey media. Additionally, Dame Heather hopes to visit Jersey in due course to undertake further interviews with the parties involved.

The findings and recommendations of the Investigation will ultimately feed into the overarching Visitation, being led by Bishop John Gladwin, which is considering the implementation of safeguarding policies in the Diocese of Winchester. The Visitation has also made significant progress to date and is expected to report in its conclusions later this year.

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin Bishop of Winchester said:

“Dame Heather’s Investigation has been progressing well and we have agreed that it is imperative that any and all information of relevance is brought to light. As such, the Investigation is moving into this public phase. I hope that anyone who feels they can contribute will come forward.

“As I have said before, we cannot stress enough the importance of safeguarding and the original complaint that sparked these inquiries. I therefore want to reiterate that we are committed to understanding fully the circumstances around this complaint and how it was handled. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that we take whatever action is required to maintain and enhance our Church as a safe haven for the vulnerable. Given the debate on safeguarding at the recent General Synod meeting in York, it is clear this is as much a priority for the whole of the Church of England as it is for this Diocese.”