The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), Right Reverend Dr Richard Murray wrote to all congregations today to announce that the leading specialist safeguarding group, INEQE, has been appointed to undertake an independent external review of PCI’s governance and safeguarding arrangements, which, he says ‘will be victim focused and trauma informed’.
Following the all-Ireland denomination’s November announcement of significant failings in the central administration of its safeguarding processes, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) instigated a statutory inquiry. As requested by the Commission, PCI spoke to a number of individuals and firms regarding an independent external review, which will form part of CCNI’s overall investigation into the Church.
The Commission and PCI’s Statutory Investigations Task Group has approved the appointment of the Belfast-based company, INEQE Safeguarding Group, to carry out this work, which will start immediately. It is expected the Review will be completed, with the publication of the findings and all learning that comes from them, early in 2027.
Speaking about the appointment, Dr Murray, said,
“Over recent months, at the Charity Commission’s request, we have sought to identify and secure the independent expertise necessary to carry out an inquiry into our safeguarding and governance as part of the Commission’s statutory inquiry. I am pleased to announce, therefore, the appointment of INEQE to undertake this review. The appointment is a genuine reflection of our total commitment to a credible, victim-centred, trauma-informed, open and transparent review, which will be conducted by a hugely respected safeguarding organisation, a leader in this field both in the UK and Ireland.
“From the outset we have stated publicly that we were fully committed to working with the Charity Commission to facilitate their inquiry and will cooperate fully in all aspects connected with it. On behalf of the Church, I give that same undertaking to INEQE.”
The Terms of Reference for this review have been agreed with the Charity Commission and will cover:
Governance, Accountability and Oversight
Personnel Suitability and Skills
Policy and Operational Practice
The review will be led by Jim Gamble QPM, who brings extensive experience in heading high-profile, independent safeguarding reviews. He is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals with deep expertise in social work, criminal justice, academia, the third sector, and regulatory oversight, including a barrister-at-law and a former Assistant Director of the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
The team's collective experience encompasses strategic governance, auditing comprehensive safeguarding arrangements, trauma-informed practice, and complex investigations. This robust skillset is further strengthened by specialists in research, education, and quantitative data analysis.
The Moderator concluded by saying that the Terms of Reference would be published on PCI’s website,
“From the start we have committed ourselves to doing whatever is required to get things right and so regain the trust that we have lost, especially with regards to those who have been hurt or harmed by our failures. We believe that the appointment of INEQE will be an important step in this process.”
Dr Murray also encouraged victims and survivors of abuse to contact the PSNI on 101 and to seek help and support from Victims Support NI on 028 9013 0405. They can also contact PCI’s Safeguarding Department on 028 9041 7234.
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