Latest news with #Foden
North Wales Chronicle
10-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Neil Foden: Ex-governor found 'serious issues' at Bangor school
Foden, 67, who was head of Ysgol Friars, was jailed for 17 years in July 2024 after being convicted of 19 counts of sexual abuse upon four girls between 2019 and 2023. John Nicholson, who was chair of governors at the school from 2013 to 2017, said he sent a 'lengthy' submission to those undertaking an independent Child Practice Review (CPR), which is led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board, but said he has not been contacted by anyone from Gwynedd Council. Neil Foden (Image: North Wales Police) Mr Nicholson said: 'It very soon became clear to me that there were serious issues that needed thorough investigation in the management of the school under Neil Foden. 'It was also clear that the majority of governors at that time would always give their full support to the headmaster, even if the evidence pointed to serious discrepancies. 'I therefore decided to report my concerns to Gwynedd Council, but it seemed Neil Foden then did all he could to make my task as chairman as difficult as possible. 'If the council had followed my advice, then the abuse and suffering subsequently inflicted upon several of his victims could have been prevented. 'It concerns me that the subsequent reviews into the Foden saga have been managed to exclude the consideration of my experiences as governor, and my report to the council.' Foden was appointed deputy head of Ysgol Friars in 1989, before becoming headteacher in 1997. The Chronicle reported in January that an ex-colleague, who asked not to be named, believed Foden avoided disciplinary action after he was criticised at two employment tribunals because the school was praised by Estyn in its 2017 report. In 2019, concerns were raised by those who knew Foden about him being seen alone with teenagers, fearing he was opening himself up to a 'false accusation'. Gwynedd Council was informed, but held no formal investigation. Messages between Foden and a child referring to oral sex. (Image: CPS) Mr Nicholson added that he was 'suspended by Foden several times, on trumped-up grounds and without following adopted procedures'. The CPR was started by the North Wales Safeguarding Board last summer, with which Gwynedd Council said it is co-operating 'fully'. Jan Pickles OBE, a registered social worker who has worked with the probation service, police and NSPCC, is the review's independent chair. But Mr Nicholson added: 'I am worried that my report has been ignored or excluded because the terms of the review will not go back to when I was governor and chair. 'It concerns me that no-one in Gwynedd Council has spoken to me.' In response to Mr Nicholson's comments, Gwynedd Council stressed that the CPR is independent of the local authority. But the council said it is 'doing everything in our power' to support the review, and is 'fully committed to learning from this tragic case'. Neil Foden arrives at Mold Crown Court in April 2024 (Image: PA) A council spokesperson said: 'Cyngor Gwynedd has provided the CPR with all the relevant information in our possession along with the findings of the various external and internal investigations that have been conducted on our behalf. 'We have also passed on all the information that has been drawn to our attention by external individuals and organisations to the CPR. 'In parallel to the external statutory CPR process, Cyngor Gwynedd has established a Crime response plan programme board to oversee the numerous council workstreams stemming from this case. 'To ensure objectivity and transparency, the board is chaired by Professor Sally Holland - former Children's Commissioner for Wales and a leading authority in child protection - and includes amongst its membership external experts from organisations including Welsh Government, the Children's Commissioner for Wales and Estyn. 'This week, Professor Holland presented her first progress report, in which she notes that positive progress is being made, but that it is likely that further significant work will be needed when the North Wales Safeguarding Board publishes its CPR report in September. 'As a council, we have consistently urged anyone with relevant information to contact the CPR and to present their concerns or observations directly to them. We note that Mr Nicholson has done so.' Neil Foden is interviewed by police (Image: NWP) A North Wales Safeguarding Board spokesperson said: 'The CPR team interviewed John Nicholson on October 24, 2024, and again on November 4. 'We thanked him for his contribution, especially as he had shared that he was in treatment in Oxford and was not well. 'Mr Nicholson agreed to send a further report to the review. He later sent a 9.5-page report to the review's address on November 30, 2024. 'Mr Nicholson subsequently contacted the reviews team again on February 4 to check whether they needed any further information. 'The CPR team, at this point, felt it had all of the relevant information from him. All information which is shared with the review team helps to support the review process.'
North Wales Chronicle
02-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
'Progress' noted in Gwynedd's response to Neil Foden's crimes
This had stemmed from the 'Neil Foden Crime Response Plan' which aims to prevent youngsters ever suffering in the same way again. But a child protection expert has stated that it is 'vital' that Cyngor Gwynedd needs to 'strengthen the confidence' of Gwynedd residents, that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in schools, and should act 'decisively' when concerns are raised. Foden, from Old Colwyn, was imprisoned for 17 years after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period. He had been the head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes. Chair of the Crime Response Plan Programme Board, Professor Sally Holland, the former Children's Commissioner for Wales and a leading authority in child protection, has presented her first quarterly report. The board was established by Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet in January, 2025. The cabinet will be asked to accept the report at its Cabinet meeting on Monday, July 8. Work from the Response Plan runs parallel to the Child Practice Review (CPR) investigation, a statutory process undertaken by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. Professor Holland described how 32 of 63 work tasks have been completed and that there had been 'progress' and a 'firm commitment' from the council to complete the rest. Amendments had included more 'emphasis given to children and young people's views and experiences' and measures added to work streams to assess impact. Completed council work so far includes 'stabilising' Ysgol Friars with a new interim headteacher. Margaret Davies was appointed at Easter, brining support to senior management and stabilisation over staffing. She is also a member of the board and will report to the board on progress. Work stream matters 'likely to take time' and remaining as 'continuous actions' included school governance, the curriculum and ensuring that learners' voice and experience are heard. Other measures have seen the commissioning of a report by an independent barrister specialising in safeguarding investigations, to carry out an investigation into specific incidents in 2019, highlighted during the Foden criminal case. The council was also committed to act on the recommendations, monitored by the Response Board, and an investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office has also been completed and Cyngor Gwynedd's Freedom of Information procedures updated. The Council's Scrutiny Committee has also established an inquiry into safeguarding arrangements in schools. Professor Sally Holland, Chair of the Programme Board, said: 'The purpose of this Response Plan and every action taken by the Council is to prevent such crimes from being committed by persons in positions of trust. 'This should always be our priority. It is vital that Cyngor Gwynedd strengthens the confidence of Gwynedd residents that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in the school environment, and that it will act decisively when concerns are raised. 'I'm pleased to be able to bring this first report to the Cabinet's attention, to show the work that has been done so far and to highlight what is yet to be completed. 'As I note in the report, the officers who are members of the Board are keen to make progress in the areas of work for which they are responsible and have shown a readiness to listen and act on the advice of external experts and the rest of the Board. 'We all agree that this will not be a quick or easy process and that there is further detailed work ahead. As each independent investigation is completed, the response plan must be adapted and strengthened. 'Looking to the future, I am confident that the Board will continue to steer the work programme and advise, scrutinise and challenge to ensure that all recommendations are delivered in full.' Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, added:'The survivors and their families and all those affected by what happened continue to be foremost in our thoughts. 'Their bravery and resilience continue to drive us to look at our arrangements and learn lessons with the help and guidance of the Programme Board. 'The Cabinet meeting, and the presentation of the report, will be an opportunity to find out more about the progress made and work to be carried out.' She added that the council had also completed another internal investigation to assess whether the response of Ysgol Friars, the school's governors and the council to the findings of a Complaints Panel Report held in 2019 were 'adequate and appropriate'. As part of this work, the council has received the report it had commissioned from an independent human resources investigator. They had 'established that the finding of the 2019 report did not relate to concerns about child safeguarding issues but concluded that the Governing Body and the Council could have better responded to the Complaint Panel's recommendations', she said. 'The school's Governing Body and the council welcome the recommendations made. 'They are committed to ensuring that each recommendation is acted upon to ensure a better response to any similar situations in the future. 'The Programme Board, under the leadership of Professor Holland, will continuously monitor and scrutinise progress in this regard.'
North Wales Live
02-07-2025
- North Wales Live
Update issued on council's response to paedophile headteacher Neil Foden's crimes
A council which pledged to leave "no stone unturned" in keeping children safe following the horrific crimes of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden says it has made "progress" in changes to its work streams. This had stemmed from the 'Neil Foden Crime Response Plan' which aims to prevent youngsters ever suffering in the same way again. But a child protection expert has stated that it is "vital" that Cyngor Gwynedd needs to "strengthen the confidence" of Gwynedd residents, that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in schools, and should act "decisively" when concerns are raised. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Foden, from Old Colwyn, was imprisoned for 17 years after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period. He had been the head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes. Chair of the Crime Response Plan Programme Board, Professor Sally Holland, the former Children's Commissioner for Wales and a leading authority in child protection, has presented her first quarterly report. The board was established by Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet in January, 2025. The cabinet will be asked to accept the report at its Cabinet meeting on Monday, July 8. Work from the Response Plan runs parallel to the Child Practice Review (CPR) investigation, a statutory process undertaken by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. Professor Holland described how 32 of 63 work tasks have been completed and that there had been "progress" and a "firm commitment" from the council to complete the rest. Amendments had included more "emphasis given to children and young people's views and experiences" and measures added to work streams to assess impact. Completed council work so far includes "stabilising" Ysgol Friars with a new interim headteacher. Margaret Davies was appointed at Easter, bringing support to senior management and stabilisation over staffing. She is also a member of the board and will report to the board on progress. Work stream matters "likely to take time" and remaining as "continuous actions" included school governance, the curriculum and ensuring that learners' voice and experience are heard. Other measures have seen the commissioning of a report by an independent barrister specialising in safeguarding investigations, to carry out an investigation into specific incidents in 2019, highlighted during the Foden criminal case. The council was also committed to act on the recommendations, monitored by the Response Board, and an investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office has also been completed and Cyngor Gwynedd's Freedom of Information procedures updated. The Council's Scrutiny Committee has also established an inquiry into safeguarding arrangements in schools. Professor Sally Holland, Chair of the Programme Board, said: 'The purpose of this Response Plan and every action taken by the Council is to prevent such crimes from being committed by persons in positions of trust. "This should always be our priority. It is vital that Cyngor Gwynedd strengthens the confidence of Gwynedd residents that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in the school environment, and that it will act decisively when concerns are raised. "I'm pleased to be able to bring this first report to the Cabinet's attention, to show the work that has been done so far and to highlight what is yet to be completed. "As I note in the report, the officers who are members of the Board are keen to make progress in the areas of work for which they are responsible and have shown a readiness to listen and act on the advice of external experts and the rest of the Board. 'We all agree that this will not be a quick or easy process and that there is further detailed work ahead. As each independent investigation is completed, the response plan must be adapted and strengthened. "Looking to the future, I am confident that the Board will continue to steer the work programme and advise, scrutinise and challenge to ensure that all recommendations are delivered in full.' Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, added:'The survivors and their families and all those affected by what happened continue to be foremost in our thoughts. "Their bravery and resilience continue to drive us to look at our arrangements and learn lessons with the help and guidance of the Programme Board. "The Cabinet meeting, and the presentation of the report, will be an opportunity to find out more about the progress made and work to be carried out." She added that the council had also completed another internal investigation to assess whether the response of Ysgol Friars, the school's governors and the council to the findings of a Complaints Panel Report held in 2019 were "adequate and appropriate". As part of this work, the council has received the report it had commissioned from an independent human resources investigator. They had "established that the finding of the 2019 report did not relate to concerns about child safeguarding issues but concluded that the Governing Body and the Council could have better responded to the Complaint Panel's recommendations", she said. "The school's Governing Body and the council welcome the recommendations made. "They are committed to ensuring that each recommendation is acted upon to ensure a better response to any similar situations in the future.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Wales Online
Update issued on council's response to paedophile headteacher Neil Foden's crimes
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A council which pledged to leave "no stone unturned" in keeping children safe following the horrific crimes of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden says it has made "progress" in changes to its work streams. This had stemmed from the 'Neil Foden Crime Response Plan' which aims to prevent youngsters ever suffering in the same way again. But a child protection expert has stated that it is "vital" that Cyngor Gwynedd needs to "strengthen the confidence" of Gwynedd residents, that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in schools, and should act "decisively" when concerns are raised. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Foden, from Old Colwyn, was imprisoned for 17 years after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period. He had been the head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes. Chair of the Crime Response Plan Programme Board, Professor Sally Holland, the former Children's Commissioner for Wales and a leading authority in child protection, has presented her first quarterly report. (Image: North Wales Police) The board was established by Cyngor Gwynedd's cabinet in January, 2025. The cabinet will be asked to accept the report at its Cabinet meeting on Monday, July 8. Work from the Response Plan runs parallel to the Child Practice Review (CPR) investigation, a statutory process undertaken by the North Wales Safeguarding Board. Professor Holland described how 32 of 63 work tasks have been completed and that there had been "progress" and a "firm commitment" from the council to complete the rest. Amendments had included more "emphasis given to children and young people's views and experiences" and measures added to work streams to assess impact. Completed council work so far includes "stabilising" Ysgol Friars with a new interim headteacher. Margaret Davies was appointed at Easter, bringing support to senior management and stabilisation over staffing. She is also a member of the board and will report to the board on progress. Work stream matters "likely to take time" and remaining as "continuous actions" included school governance, the curriculum and ensuring that learners' voice and experience are heard. Other measures have seen the commissioning of a report by an independent barrister specialising in safeguarding investigations, to carry out an investigation into specific incidents in 2019, highlighted during the Foden criminal case. The council was also committed to act on the recommendations, monitored by the Response Board, and an investigation by the Information Commissioner's Office has also been completed and Cyngor Gwynedd's Freedom of Information procedures updated. The Council's Scrutiny Committee has also established an inquiry into safeguarding arrangements in schools. Professor Sally Holland, Chair of the Programme Board, said: 'The purpose of this Response Plan and every action taken by the Council is to prevent such crimes from being committed by persons in positions of trust. "This should always be our priority. It is vital that Cyngor Gwynedd strengthens the confidence of Gwynedd residents that it has done everything in its power to safeguard children in the school environment, and that it will act decisively when concerns are raised. "I'm pleased to be able to bring this first report to the Cabinet's attention, to show the work that has been done so far and to highlight what is yet to be completed. "As I note in the report, the officers who are members of the Board are keen to make progress in the areas of work for which they are responsible and have shown a readiness to listen and act on the advice of external experts and the rest of the Board. 'We all agree that this will not be a quick or easy process and that there is further detailed work ahead. As each independent investigation is completed, the response plan must be adapted and strengthened. "Looking to the future, I am confident that the Board will continue to steer the work programme and advise, scrutinise and challenge to ensure that all recommendations are delivered in full.' Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd, added:'The survivors and their families and all those affected by what happened continue to be foremost in our thoughts. "Their bravery and resilience continue to drive us to look at our arrangements and learn lessons with the help and guidance of the Programme Board. "The Cabinet meeting, and the presentation of the report, will be an opportunity to find out more about the progress made and work to be carried out." She added that the council had also completed another internal investigation to assess whether the response of Ysgol Friars, the school's governors and the council to the findings of a Complaints Panel Report held in 2019 were "adequate and appropriate". As part of this work, the council has received the report it had commissioned from an independent human resources investigator. They had "established that the finding of the 2019 report did not relate to concerns about child safeguarding issues but concluded that the Governing Body and the Council could have better responded to the Complaint Panel's recommendations", she said. "The school's Governing Body and the council welcome the recommendations made. "They are committed to ensuring that each recommendation is acted upon to ensure a better response to any similar situations in the future. "The Programme Board, under the leadership of Professor Holland, will continuously monitor and scrutinise progress in this regard." Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Foden and Maguire's huge off-pitch earnings despite Man City and Man Utd woes
Man City midfielder Foden, 25, is sitting on a £8m fortune while Harry Maguire's outfit was also valued at around £8m, including an impressive property portfolio England stars Phil Foden and Harry Maguire made millions from their image rights last year even as their teams endured miserable seasons on the pitch. Man City midfielder Foden, 25, is sitting on a £8m fortune while Maguire's outfit was also valued at around £8m, including an impressive property portfolio. Last year Foden earned around £67,000 a week thanks to his name and profile. That's on top of his reported £225,000 a week City wages. He is also sinking his cash into bricks and mortar. His company Rondog Sports Limited has £7.8m in cash and investments for 2024, up from £4.3m in 2023. It takes in cash from his earnings away from the pitch. Top players earn extra cash from the sale of merchandise like shirts that bear their 'name, nickname, slogan and signatures, image, likeness, voice, logos, get-ups, initials, team or squad number'. The nature of business for Maguire's firm HM5 was given as 'activites of patent and copyright agents'. Foden has a contract with City that stretches until 2027. He also has a lucrative boot deal with sportswear giant Nike. Harry Maguire 's HM5 Ltd has £8m in cash and assets for 2024, up from £6.4m. He earns a reported £10m a year at United and has sunk £5m of his riches into investment property. In 2022 , Foden won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He was also the Premier League Young Player of the Season for the second consecutive year. He scored for City as they were knocked out of the World Club cup by Saudi Arabian side Al HIlal last night. Pep Guardiola's side had come through the group stages unscathed but failed to reach the quarter-finals losing 4-3. It was a disappointing exit for Foden. City were reigning world club champions. Maguire enjoyed a renaissance with United. He scored a late extra time winner for United in their 5-4 (agg 7-6) quarter final in their Europa League victory over Lyon. They went on to lose 1-0 to Spurs in the final. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kevin de Bruyne - special edition ON SALE NOW Kevin de Bruyne is one of - if not the - greatest players to play for Manchester City. He leaves the club having won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and a memorable Champions League victory! To mark his amazing time at the Etihad Stadium, this special edition has been produced - KDB The King - to celebrate Kev's career with the Blues. We look back at his 10 best games in Blue, celebrate his title wins and hear from the City boss and a host of team-mates and football elite who give their views on what makes him so special.
