We take safeguarding very seriously, says Ladies’ College
LADIES’ COLLEGE has reassured islanders that they take safeguarding very seriously, after a vicar who taught French at the school was convicted of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in a public toilet at Grandes Rocques.
The school was not informed of the allegations against Father John Moore, even though he had taught at the school the morning of his offence.
The Magistrate’s Court heard how he had taught at the college last September and then went for a drive in the afternoon, stopping at Grandes Rocques, where he knew from experience that the public toilets had a reputation as being a meeting place for homosexual encounters.
Principal Ashley Clancy confirmed that Father John Moore provided conversational French with older students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, on a voluntary basis, following standard safeguarding checks, and has taken numerous college services at St Stephen’s. The vicar lived in Paris for more than 30 years and has now moved back to France.
Mrs Clancy said that the safety and wellbeing of pupils was the school’s foremost priority. ‘We have the highest standards of safeguarding, linked to the recruitment of both employees and volunteers and we can confirm that these were upheld with Father John Moore,’ she said.
‘Being open in all communication is an integral part of our school culture. Students have access to a whisper button if they want to share concerns and remain anonymous, they are encouraged to talk directly to their parents or guardians or an adult in college and to seek support during times of stress or anxiety, especially if they are victims of inappropriate behaviour.’
She said the importance of this openness and speaking out was fundamental to wellbeing, which is at the core of the College’s work.
In an open letter to the Guernsey Press the Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, extended sympathy and concern to the victim of the assault.
Moore was fined £1,000 and was ordered to pay £500 to the victim. He was also subjected to a five-year notification order, meaning he has to notify Police of his home address, whereabouts and travel plans.
Moore has lost his licence of permission to exercise his ministry.
The Dean said he would need to seek legal advice about Moore's legal discipline. But as Moore's title is a courtesy, not a legal one, he may still be technically called Reverend or Father.
'Clergy sorry for colleague’s act' letter on Page 16 of today's Guernsey Press.
