Caldey Island: Independent review announced into historical child abuse allegations

Sky News

10 April 2024 at 12:52 pm·1-min read

An abbey in West Wales has announced an independent review into historical allegations of child abuse.

Caldey Island Cistercian Abbey said the review was part of an effort to foster "openness and transparency within the monastery".

Caldey Island is located less than a mile from the town of Tenby on the Pembrokeshire coast.

It comes following the appointment of Father Jan Rossey as the abbey's new superior.

He said: "In common with many other organisations, Caldey Abbey has, in the past, received disclosures and allegations involving members of the monastic community about their behaviour towards children.

"We take these allegations very seriously and, in order to uphold our commitment to safeguarding, we have commissioned a leading independent safeguarding consultant, Jan Pickles OBE, to conduct a thorough review".

Ms Pickles is the former assistant police and crime commissioner for South Wales Police.

In 2022, she chaired the child practice review into the death of Logan Mwangi.

Father Rossey said the review was "about taking responsibility, learning from the past, and building a safe environment for everyone".

Maria Battle, former deputy children's commissioner for Wales, has also been appointed the abbey's new safeguarding lead.

"As we prepare to welcome visitors back to Caldey Island, we remain dedicated to providing a secure environment with effective procedures for safeguarding all who visit, live on, or work on the island," Father Rossey added.

A spokesperson for Caldey Abbey confirmed the review's conclusions would be made public after its completion.

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