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 Provincial and Mrs Nadra Gadeed. Fr Smolira SJ gave apologies being on sabbatical leave. Mrs Fiona Robb supported taking the minutes of the non confidential items. Approval was given to minutes of July 16th, and the action log reviewed with future actions recorded.
2. Work with Victim/Survivors and Safety Management Plans: Nadra Gadeed updated the committee on her work with victim/survivors. This included a number of issues arising in regard to thresholds for compensation and consideration of review of settlements made some time ago. These are not matter with the TSC terms of reference but will be raised with KMcM SJ suggesting Trustees seek to review with insurers and legal advisors who regularly assist with compensation claims. JAE updated the committee on the progress of investigations continuing into complaints at Mount St Mary’s College now under the leadership of interim head, Karen Keeton. This included the recommendations forthcoming from the review conducted by an independent safeguarding expert commissioned by the School Governors. There are no Jesuits subject to safety management plans.
3. CSSA Standards and Audit: JAE updated the Committee on the CSSA led review of their safeguarding standards applying to all church bodies in England & Wales. This work is being undertaken by the Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE). It will b followed by a revised Audit approach. This work is expected to conclude at the end of the year and involves some trial and testing in selected dioceses. It is acknowledged it will require adapting for religious life groups such at the Jesuits and RLSS is engaged. There will be no planned CSSA Audit of the Jesuits in Britain in 2024. The Chair of the CSSA stepped down at the end of his three-year term to undertake a similar role in the Anglican Church. Recruitment is underway for his successor.
4. Recent Reports: Marmion (Irish Province) & Cross of the Moment (Durham): The committee noted these two reports and reviewed their summaries. Given very relevant learning points for the Province’s safeguarding work, the committee agreed to arrange a “seminar” with members of the Irish Report to gain the learning points from the Marmion Review both in its contents and processes and to consider how to apply these to this Province’s arrangements. It is planned to hold that session at the November TSC meeting. Time will be secured in a future meeting of the TSC to consider the Cross of the Moment report. It did however reinforce a requirement to advance joint work with RLSS on more systematic engagement with Victim/Survivors which is yet to commence.
5. Bishop’s conference Proposals: Religious Parish Safeguarding. The proposition from the Bishops was reviewed. In a number of areas assurances have been forthcoming regarding continuity of existing arrangements. However, Section 8 remains problematic and the TSC recommends further work to clarify accountability and training arrangements. It remains the TSC’s view that existing arrangement secure clearer accountability and there are risks of gaps and confusion that must be avoided or better mitigated. It remains a concern to the committee that insurers liabilities are misunderstood confusing matters in this arena.
6. Coordinator’s Updates: JAE outlined training for Novices and Spiritual Directors in this period. There were no issues relating to DBS or PGE checks or with the electronic record keeping system, CPOMS. In regard to related independent Jesuit Works JAE is preparing a safeguarding self-assessment which will inform further support to these bodies.
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.
