For detailed, background information to the IICSA inquiry into the Roman Catholic Church, including associated documents and the SCIE report (reference: CHC001649); Jan Pickles past cases review (reference: CHC001643) and Jan Pickles parish review (reference: CHC001644) commissioned by the diocese of Birmingham, visit the IICSA website.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has today published its report on the Archdiocese of Birmingham, as a case study of the Roman Catholic Church.
We accept that we have failed victims and survivors of abuse and again apologise for the grievous failings we have made in the past. Apologies are just words though, if not backed up by action.
We will take the time needed to review the IICSA report thoroughly in order to make a considered and detailed response, which will inform our ongoing commitment to do more and do better.
In light of independent reviews commissioned by Trustees and made available to IICSA, the Archdiocese has already fundamentally changed its practices and processes to ensure an open and compassionate approach to victims and survivors. It now has more safeguarding personnel, better management and recording systems, stronger DBS/checking procedures and clear policies and practices on safeguarding referrals and agreements, to safeguard those who come in contact with the church.
If you would like to speak to Archbishop Bernard Longley about your own experiences, you are very welcome to get in touch by contacting the safeguarding team on 0121 230 6240 or via email: safeguarding@rc-birmingham.org. Meetings with victims and survivors have already been arranged and taken place. We are committed to listen to and learn from victims and survivors.
For a listening ear outside of the church, NAPAC is the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. If you want to talk about what you experienced in childhood and how it is affecting you now, you can call their support line on 0808 801 0331 or email their support team via napac.org.uk
Read the IICSA report on the Archdiocese of Birmingham
Visit the Safeguarding News Page for the latest updates from the Diocese of Birmingham
Andrew Haley is leading improvements as Interim Head of Safeguarding Transformation, and two additional members of staff recently joined the safeguarding team to bolster capacity and provide further expertise.
Fiona O’Reilly and Jacqueline Oliver join existing team members Sarah Fullard; Catherine Salt and Sukhy Gill.
A thorough review of all safeguarding agreements is now well underway, and a review of all cases post-2016 is almost complete. Cases pre-2016 are also to be examined to ensure the Archdiocese has a detailed case list moving forward.
If you would like to speak to someone about safeguarding, please call the safeguarding team on 0121 230 6240.
We would also like to draw your attention to NAPAC – the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, which exists to support adults who were abused in childhood.
They run a free phone support line five days a week, run support groups for survivors (funds permitting) and regularly contribute to the debate about how best to protect our children. The free phone number is 0808 801 0331.
Download the Archdiocese’ Opening Statement for IICSA read at the hearing on 12/11/2018
Archbishop Bernard’s Pastoral Letter 3/4 November available as text or audio:
Pastoral Letter November 2018 – text
IICSA’s truth project offers the opportunity for Victims and Survivors to share their experience and be respectfully heard and acknowledged. By doing so, they will help us to better understand the long term impact of abuse. Their contribution will help us make recommendations about support needs, as well as challenging our assumptions of child sexual abuse. Visit the Truth Project website
The Archdiocese website has an extensive section on safeguarding. Please click here
