The school became aware in recent months of numerous claims of abuse dating back to the 1970s and 80s and briefed local police officers last month about its intended response.
A spokesman for the force issued a statement on request yesterday, soon after the college publicly announced the appointment of an independent expert to ‘examine any disclosures of non-recent abuse’ and report her findings to its board of directors.
‘Guernsey Police is aware of Elizabeth College’s plans to conduct a review into historical allegations of child abuse at the school, and has been engaging with senior staff,’ said the police spokesman.
‘Police were first notified about these plans in March. Since then, officers have been liaising with representatives from Elizabeth College to ensure that any reports or evidence of criminal offences are properly referred on to the police.’
Other safeguarding agencies, including those working under Health & Social Care and Education, Sport & Culture, were also informed in advance of yesterday’s statement by the College, as were a small number of senior politicians.
Police said that a multi-agency response would be put into operation if any evidence of criminal behaviour was reported or discovered.
‘At this stage, no new formal complaints have been received by Guernsey Police in relation to these recent disclosures,’ said the police spokesman.
‘The college’s review is separate to any police investigation. Therefore, we would strongly encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward directly to Guernsey Police at the earliest opportunity, by calling 01481 222 222 or visiting the Police Station.’
The college said it worked closely with the police and other safeguarding authorities and always referred matters to those agencies in line with its legal duties.
In a letter to former students, the school provided web links to a list of organisations set up to support and advice victims of abuse and included a reminder to report recent or historical crimes to the police.
Policy & Resources president Lindsay de Sausmarez, who was briefed in advance of the public announcement, said she had assured the college that the States would support the inquiry in any way appropriate.
‘The allegations of historical abuse are concerning and very upsetting, and there may be many people in the community who are impacted by this news, including former students, the current school community, and staff, past and present. For some, this will be difficult to hear,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘I hope those affected are reassured by the decision to commission an independent review, which will address these matters with appropriate seriousness.
‘An independent process will enable anyone who has suffered abuse to come forward with the confidence that their voice will be heard, in the knowledge, too, that any criminal matters will be properly investigated, no matter how long ago their experiences may have been.’
Education, Sport & Culture president Paul Montague was also briefed ahead of the public announcement.
He said yesterday that he fully endorsed Deputy de Sausmarez’s statement.
Anyone with immediate concerns about child safeguarding in Guernsey or Alderney should contact the Multi-agency Support Hub (MASH) by calling 01481 223 182. An emergency duty team for safeguarding is available out of hours by calling 01481 222 222.
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