The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has initiated a statutory inquiry—the highest grade of investigation available to the Commission—into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and all of its associated elements.

This formal investigation follows the Church's recent public disclosure regarding significant safeguarding shortcomings. The inquiry reflects the extreme gravity of the concerns that have been brought to light.

The statutory inquiry serves to formalise the process whereby the Commission can collaborate directly with the charity's trustees. The objective is to ensure that the identified issues concerning safeguarding and governance are comprehensively addressed and that necessary remedial actions are fully implemented.

Frances McCandless, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, emphasised the fundamental importance of safety: "Safeguarding is fundamental to maintaining public trust in charities. Every charity must make the safety and wellbeing of those they serve their highest priority."

In a separate statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed their ongoing investigative work. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck stated: "We are aware of the announcement by the Charity Commission regarding the opening of a statutory inquiry.

"As previously confirmed, the Police Service has an ongoing investigation into safeguarding concerns connected to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. This work remains active and will not be affected by the Charity Commission's Inquiry processes.

"Safeguarding is a priority for the Police Service. We take any information suggesting risk or potential criminality extremely seriously." ACC Beck added that the PSNI is working closely with the Charity Commission and other statutory and community safeguarding partners. He stressed that this coordinated approach guarantees that all concerns raised are fully examined, and appropriate measures are taken to address any criminality and protect those who have been harmed.

The PSNI encourages anyone who has been affected, or who possesses information that could aid the police, to come forward. Dedicated specialist officers are on standby to provide advice and support, and to help victims access the criminal justice system.

Anyone with concerns can reach the dedicated police team by email at PCIenquiry@psni.police.uk or by phoning 101.

Victim Support NI

Following the announcement of the investigation, Victim Support NI said in a statement on their website: "Our first concern is with those who may have been impacted by the Charity Commission's announcement about the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. If you need advice and support, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our services are trauma-informed, confidential, safe, and free.

"A list of all our services can be found on our website: www.victimsupportni.com/"

You can contact Victim Support NI from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday on the phone number below. Alternatively, you can email either their Belfast or Foyle offices.

Belfast phone number: 028 9013 0405 (This is a free and completely confidential line)

Belfast office email: belfast@victimsupportni.org.uk  

Foyle office email: foyle@victimsupportni.org.uk 

For those living in the Republic of Ireland, you can contact the Crime Victims Helpline on Freephone 116 006 or visit their website: www.crimevictimshelpline.ie

You can avail of further support from the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline in Northern Ireland. Their number is 0808 802 1414 and their email address is help@dsahelpline.org