The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has revealed that a failure to follow its own 'Taking Care' safeguarding guidance led to a number of "inadequate safeguarding services" between 2009 and 2022.

Speaking at a news conference, Dr. David Bruce, Convener of the General Council of PCI, expressed his "sorrow and with deep regret" and offered a full apology to those who were harmed or placed at risk.

Key Failures Identified (2009–2022):

Dr. Bruce confirmed that major gaps in necessary recordkeeping compounded the failures, making it inevitable that not all situations of unacceptable practice have been identified. Failures identified to date include:

• Failing to make referrals to statutory authorities when required.

• Not responding adequately to concerns expressed about individuals in congregations.

• Failing to respond to people who had suffered harm and sought help from the church.

• Inadequate monitoring of some offenders who returned to worship following referrals from statutory bodies.

The person with lead responsibility for this work during those years is no longer in post. Dr. Bruce reiterated that the church's "primary concern" is with the people who have been harmed: "We have let you down, and for this I am truly sorry. It should not have happened... Our failure in doing what you have charged us with doing, is without excuse."

To address the historical failings, the PCI has taken several main steps, including: • Liaising with appropriate statutory bodies regarding both the overall failures and individual poorly-handled situations.

• Reviewing all situations involving offenders requiring supervision and putting appropriate arrangements in place.

• Increasing dedicated safeguarding staffing, and reviewing/updating policies and procedures.

• Implementing arrangements for people to escalate concerns if they believe they have not been responded to swiftly.

• Putting in place regular external cross-professional supervision for the Safeguarding Lead and Director.

• Commencing an audit of safeguarding arrangements against a framework devised by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

Support and PSNI Comment

The PCI has set up a dedicated response line and email address for anyone impacted, available from 9 am tomorrow morning. The response team is trained to take a trauma-informed approach.

Dedicated Response Line: +44 (0)28 9041 7308

Email: SAT@presbyterianireland.org

PSNI 'Actively Engaged' In Ongoing Discussions

The PSNI confirmed it has been actively engaged in ongoing discussions with the PCI to ensure mechanisms are in place to support any victim who wishes to make disclosures. Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, urged anyone concerned or wishing to report a crime to come forward by calling 101 or a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/