The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has commissioned INEQE Safeguarding Group to carry out an independent external review into serious safeguarding failures. The review, which is already under way, will be victim focused, with completion expected by early 2027.
This is the latest development following revelations late last year of significant safeguarding failings within the all-Ireland PCI, which has resulted in a criminal investigation, and Northern Ireland’s Charity Commission launching a statutory inquiry.
The Terms of Reference of the review have been agreed with the Charity Commission and broadly cover the PCI’s governance framework and safeguarding arrangements, including the adequacy of its safeguarding policies and their implementation.
The PCI’s Moderator -Designate Richard Kerr, who will be installed in June, recently told RTÉ News that the safeguarding systems had “not been fit for purpose” and the issue of redress was “an open page”. Kerr is the minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church and a former missionary in Malawi.
Individuals are invited to share their views and information confidentially with INEQE, or to register an interest in participating in the surveys, by completing a contact form here.
Victims and survivors of abuse have been urged to contact the PSNI on 101; and seek help and support from Victims Support NI on 028 9013 0405 and contact the PCI’s Safeguarding Department on 028 9041 7234.
