The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has today published their report on Ampleforth as part of the English Benedictine Congregation case study.
At Ampleforth, we are committed to providing the highest possible standards when it comes to looking after those entrusted to our care and have welcomed the opportunity to work with IICSA on this wide-ranging inquiry into the best ways to protect children.
We have publicly accepted responsibility for past failings on many occasions, and the Ampleforth of today has never been afraid to learn difficult lessons.
We would like to thank Professor Jay and her team for the hard work that has gone into this comprehensive and extensive report and we will review it to identify anything that could inform our constant drive for improvement.
In the meantime, we remain completely focused on the safety and wellbeing of those entrusted to our care and our commitment to implement meaningful change.
We are in the process of developing our first ever Safeguarding Charter with Emma Moody of Womble, Bond and Dickinson, a nationally renowned specialist in charity law, education and expert in safeguarding.
It is our goal that this charter is shared with other organisations and becomes recognised as best practice for safeguarding in education.
We would also like to once again offer our heartfelt apology to anyone who suffered abuse while in the care of our schools, parishes or other ministries.
Anyone affected by abuse at Ampleforth can contact John Ridge on 01439 766043 or john.ridge@ampleforth.org.uk. Alternatively they can call a dedicated, confidential helpline run by Survive on 01904 638813 and speak to a trained counsellor.
For any media enquiries, please contact Claire Evans on 01439 766777 or claire.evans@ampleforth.org.uk.