Presbyterian Church in Ireland safeguarding crisis: Church choosing experts for independent review causes 'reds flags'

In November Presbyterian Moderator Rev Trevor Gribben resigned, when an internal review found “serious and significant failings” in central safeguarding functions for children and vulnerable adults from 2009 to 2022.

The PSNI launched a major investigation, and appealed for victims to come forward. It now says that it has had 101 referrals to investigate.

The Charity Commission also opened a statutory inquiry.

As part of this, the church says it has been asked to select a panel of experts to conduct an independent review of its own governance and safeguarding. The panel must then submit a report on its findings to the Charity Commission's inquiry.

During a special general assembly of 400 clerics and elders in Belfast on Wednesday, it was revealed that moderator Rev Richard Murray had been given the job of "identifying a panel to conduct the external review to which we are committed”.

Convener of the church's General Council, Rev Dr David Bruce, said "the appointment of the external review panel" has been progressed by the moderator, with the advice of a special Task Group.

“A firm proposal regarding a panel has been lodged with the Charity Commission for their approval,” he said.

"The Enquiry Panel’s remit will include an examination of both the governance and safeguarding dimensions of our work. If this receives approval, the work can commence as soon as next month.”

Today the News Letter asked the church to confirm it did indeed select the panel – which the church confirmed.

A church spokesman said that since the Charity Commission's inquiry was announced it has engaged with it in relation to the establishment of the panel.

“As requested by the Charity Commission, we have spoken to a substantial number of individuals and firms in relation to identifying and securing the independent expertise that is needed to carry out the inquiry.

"We have proposed a panel to CCNI and they have given initial approval, but final details are still being confirmed. The panel will be announced when the appointment process is complete.”

The church said it was not aware of any Presbyterians on the panel.

“The proposed panel was identified based on its expertise and ability to deliver an independent review, not for any particular religious affiliation. We are not aware of any Presbyterians on the proposed panel."

But Leigh McFarlane, an independent safeguarding consultant from north Down, said the fact that the church has selected its own appointees is "just one of their many red flags" and she added: "How truly independent is that?"

"I would encourage them to seriously consider the independent nature of that and how survivor voices can be represented in the decision making process for that independent panel."

In the light of the fact that the PSNI have now announced 101 separate reports about this issue, she said, the church would need nationally recognised figures in the field, such as Scottish academic Prof Alexis Jay and English lawyer Fiona Scolding KC.