Today, 12th December, the Diocese of Oxford has issued the following Press Release on the establishment of an Independent Case Review of the diocesan safeguarding response to allegations of spiritual abuse in the case of the Revd Tim Davis.
12.12.18 – Independent Case Review: Diocesan safeguarding response to allegations of spiritual abuse
On 28 December 2017, the Revd Tim Davis was found guilty of conduct unbecoming or inappropriate to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders through the abuse of spiritual power and authority over a person then aged 15-16.
The penalty imposed under the Clergy Disciplinary Measure (2003) was immediate cessation of office and prohibition from the exercise of holy orders for a period of two years, effective 12 March 2018.
The Diocese of Oxford has commissioned an Independent Case Review relating to the reporting, investigation and management of allegations and concerns about the conduct of Revd Tim Davis. The following individuals have been engaged to undertake the Case Review:
Amanda Lamb CQSW / M.Soc.Science in Social Services Management
Amanda specialises in service review and redesign of Children’s Social Care services, particularly residential, fostering and adoption. She has extensive experience of safeguarding work, managing both casework and strategic reviews and has been an independent consultant on historic cases reviews, and related issues, including complaint investigations, for the Church of England National Safeguarding Team. She has over five years’ experience at Assistant Director level in two Local Authorities with a proven track record of improvement and been an Additional Inspector on 3 Ofsted teams for Safeguarding and Looked After inspections.
Mr. Timothy Briden Member of Lamb Chambers – Barrister.
Timothy has a background in personal injury and clinical negligence litigation. He has also developed an additional specialist practice in ecclesiastical law. He is Chancellor for the Diocese of Truro and for the Diocese of Bath and Wells. He is also Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury.
The independent Case Review will include the following stages:
1. A Desk-Top and Document Review, which will identify what was known, by whom and how such knowledge was communicated and acted upon. It is envisaged that this will be completed by the end of January 2019 and will identify further lines of enquiry.
2. Engagement with and opportunities to listen to stakeholders within the local congregation and Diocese who were impacted by the abuse of which Revd Tim David was found guilty. It is envisaged that this will be completed by the end of March 2019. The review team will also extend an interview request to Revd Tim Davis.
3. Publication of a report that will include recommendations about any changes required in training, processes and systems at local, Diocesan and national levels. It is envisaged that this will take place by the end of May 2019.
The Independent Case Review will work to the following Terms of Reference that have been agreed by the Independent Chair of the Oxford Diocese Safeguarding Panel, Peter Hay. These will be kept under review with the Case Review Team so that the final review is complete and comprehensive.
1. To review all information available in records and reports within the Diocese of Oxford and the Parish of Christ Church Abingdon relating to allegations and concerns raised about the conduct of Revd Tim Davis. To produce a detailed timeline and clear account of the responses within the Diocese.
2. To consider whether responses were in accordance with recognised good practice, and compliant with Church of England policy and legislation as well as statutory policy and legislation.
3. To consider in particular allegations relating to the spiritual abuse of power and the manner in which these were responded to and addressed.
4. To identify learning points about any changes or developments in guidance or practice within the Diocese of Oxford when addressing safeguarding and disciplinary concerns relating to clergy and other church officers to ensure that matters are dealt with to the highest possible standards.
5. To identify any changes or developments to complaints and disciplinary processes which might be recommended to the Church of England. In particular, ongoing contact and support to victim(s), and communications with the wider congregation.
6. To produce a report, including recommendations, to enable learning to be shared and developments to be taken forward.
Notes for editors:
For media enquiries, please contact Steven Buckley on 07824 906839
Notices of findings and penalties given to clergy in the Diocese of Oxford
12th December 2018
Comment
The determination of the CDM Tribunal was reviewed in our post Clerical abuse of spiritual power and authority, and the penalty and its implications in a subsequent post.