1. Introductions: In attendance in person were Mrs Fiona Bateman, Mr James Reilly (Chair), Mr Jim Gallagher, Mrs Julie Ashby-Ellis, Fr Paul O’Reilly SJ, Fr David Smolira SJ, Fr Provincial and Mrs Nadra Gadeed. Mrs Fiona Robb supported taking the minutes of the non-confidential items. Approval was given to minutes of November 7th, and the action log reviewed with future actions recorded. In the light of close bereavement suffered by Julie Ashby Ellis it was agreed to shorten this meeting and concentrate on the work with victim/survivors and safety management plans.
2. Work with Victim/Survivors and Safety Management Plans: Nadra Gadeed reported on her work with 6 victim/survivors four of which are historical where the perpetrator is deceased. One is a concern still under investigation and yet to be determined as a safeguarding matter. In relation to safeguarding management plans: There are no Jesuits subject to safety management plans. In her update on concerns raised at the November meeting JAE one of these related to misconduct and appropriate remedial action has been taken. In the second matter, which had been reviewed by a panel, the individual concerned is engaged in conversations with the Provincial. A complaint was received in relation to an employee of the LJC but this was a misconduct matter and resolved under those procedures.
3. Jesuit Schools. Investigations are continuing into complaints at Mount St Mary’s College which at the time of the meeting remains under the leadership of interim head, Karen Keeton. Since the November update on this unduly protracted process under the auspices of the school governors, there is once again concerning indications on how this matter is being progressed by the relevant governors. In March a further LADO and statutory bodies meeting is due to review the outcome of the review and disciplinary investigation.
{Subsequent to the TSC February meeting JAE has updated the Provincial and others regarding the decisions of the MSM chair of governors to agree a settlement, resignation and reference with the Headteacher, who was subject to the disciplinary investigation. The deputy head has been appointed Headteacher. She has also updated on the reaction of the LADO and statutory bodies meeting with the chair and one other governor, in which dismay at these decisions has been expressed by all parties who are now considering further statutory action in relation to the school expressing the view that they do not regard it to safe for children under its current leadership. Trustees will no doubt be updated on these very worrisome developments which reinforce the concerns the committee has been expressing throughout in regard to the shortcomings in governance at the school and the reputational and other possible liabilities for the province.
These very concerning developments further reinforce the recommendations the committee made to the last Trustees’ meeting to commission a formal review of the statement of collaboration and other undertakings which exist between the Province and the independent trust schools. Secondly, the committee also recommended that Fr Provincial and Trustees obtain from legal advisors a definitive position on the legal obligations and powers that pertain to Fr Provincial and Trustees in relation to all the relevant legal arrangements pertaining to the governance of the schools. It is hoped that these will now be supported by the Trustees and progressed in a timely manner.}
4. Other Matters.
In this shortened meeting other matters arising included:
The date of the next meeting of the Committee is Tuesday 8 th April 2025.
