1. Introductions: In attendance in person were Fr David Smolira SJ, Mrs Fiona Bateman, Mr James Reilly (Chair), Mr Jim Gallagher, Mrs Julie Ashby-Ellis, Fr Paul O’Reilly SJ. Apologies were received from Fr Provincial on Visitations and Mrs Nadra Gadeed. Mrs Fiona Robb supported taking the minutes. Approval was given to minutes of Marth 19th, and the action log reviewed with future actions recorded.
2. Work with Victim/Survivors and Safety Management Plans: In the absence of Nadra Gadeed, JAE updated the committee on work with complainants and victim survivors. In the main this is covered by points 3 and 4 below. There are no Jesuits subject to safety management plans.
3. Fr Peter Brook SJ RIP: Following his conviction at trial in February 2024, the committee was updated about his sentencing in April to 20 months imprisonment. He served a short period in Leeds Prison before becoming ill and dying in Leeds infirmary. As a result of his death the canonical investigation which would have determined his future in the priesthood and Society did not progress further. The July meeting of the TSC will consider the circumstances of this case to identify any lessons to be learned.
4. Mount St. Mary’s College: The committee were informed of investigations initiated by the Local Authority Designated Officer for Safeguarding following receipt of a number of complaints. JAE briefed the committee on the context and circumstances of this investigations. As the college is an independent trust its Governing Body is responsible for responding to any resulting actions. Under a protocol agreed between the Province and Jesuit schools on cooperative actions relating the safeguarding, the Province is to kept informed and must be assured that all appropriate actions are being pursued. In accordance with this JAE will continue to be updated and support the investigation and college responses as required. The committee clarified the assurances to be expected in such circumstances to assist the Provincial in his communications with the College’s leadership.
5. Committee Terms of Reference. The committee received a briefing from Fr Kensey Joseph SJ on revisions to the constitution of the Trustees as it works to establish the Charity as a Community Interest Organisation (CIO) from April 2025. Any subsequent amendments to the Committee’s terms of reference were considered. The only substantive amendment agreed is to the terms of the members of the committee and it was agreed these should be for a standard period of three years and can be renewed on two occasions. Thereby, committee members can serve for a maximum of nine years. Any final comments will be shared with Fr Kensey and the Chair and given final consideration at the July meeting to recommend its amended terms of reference to the Trustees for approval
6. Coordinator’s update: Julie Ashby-Ellis briefed the committee on the ongoing work to update the structures, policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA - England & Wales). Consultations are proceeding with RLSS to ensure that future arrangements work in relation to both Dioceses and Religious Life Groups. JAE has completed updated training with those working at St Bueno’s Retreat Centre and the London Spirituality Centre.
