Latest news with #NeilFoden
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Neil Foden concerns raised in 2019 but no investigation by council
Months after a council decided not to investigate concerns about a headmaster's "closeness to some girls", a second safeguarding issue was raised, it has year, Neil Foden was jailed for 17 years for sexually abusing four children in north Wales between 2019 and started working at Ysgol Friars in Bangor in 1989 and became head teacher in 1997. He was also the strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in evidence gathered by BBC-produced Newyddion S4C, shows that Cyngor Gwynedd decided not to investigate concerns raised, before another concern, believed to be made in 2019, was raised by a staff member in the neighbouring local authority of Anglesey. An Anglesey council spokesperson confirmed it had "co-operated fully" with "all agencies" and "referred the suspicions about Foden to the responsible agency in accordance with the Child Protection Guidelines that were in place in 2019".However, the spokesperson did not confirm which agencies it shared the suspicions about Foden with, or if it shared directly with Cyngor sources say Cyngor Gwynedd did receive an official notice of a concern that was originally raised by an Anglesey employee, and it appears that no official investigation was Gwynedd has been asked several times for clarification regarding this matter but say that all "related information" they hold has been shared with the Child Practice Review (CPR) panel. The CPR was established following Foden's arrest to look into what happened. One of the panel confirmed the above issues "have been highlighted" and "covered", but members cannot comment any further at present, and their "aim is for the report to be published at the end of September". In a statement, Anglesey council said that "sensitive information regarding this serious matter cannot be released".However, it added "the public has a right to know that the island's child protection procedures have been followed in this matter and remain strong and responsible".The local authority's chief executive Dylan Williams said he wanted to "extend our deepest condolences" to all children and families who have suffered because of Foden. "As well as sympathising with the victims, the authority has ensured that everyone who has asked for support has received a suitable service," he added.A Cyngor Gwynedd spokesperson said: "It is a matter of deep regret that various concerns have been raised about Neil Foden over the years, and despite the fact that we have worked with the police and other agencies, our response was not enough to prevent his crimes."The CPR is a major step forward to enable us to get to the bottom of this, and we will welcome all the recommendations it makes. "When the report is published in September, we are committed to act upon every recommendation that is relevant to us as a council." The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that a "key worker" who gave evidence at Foden's trial last year "did raise concerns with the police" and that these concerns were raised "following Foden's arrest".The witness told the court that in 2019 she had weekly meetings with one of the victims, known as Child explained that the purpose of the meetings was to discuss "personal and confidential matters".It came to light in Foden's trial that he began grooming and sexually abusing Child E in 2019. Foden would refer to this girl as his "sex toy". The victim also joined Foden when he travelled away to events, sometimes staying in hotels with key worker told the court that her meetings with Child E, usually took place "in private" in a classroom. But, during the summer holidays things changed and the meetings were held in a different room with Foden always Wales Police was unable to confirm if the key worker at the trial worked for Anglesey council at the time, but said they were made aware of her concerns "post arrest of Foden and that formed part of the trial".
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.'
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
North Wales Live
23-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Live
'Astounding bravery' of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden's victims praised
The "astounding bravery" of young victims impacted by the crimes of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden has been praised in Cardiff. It came as Arfon's Plaid Cymru MS Siân Gwenllian had sought support in the Senedd for a campaign which draws attention to the pain suffered by sexual abuse victims in Wales and around the world. The Plaid Cymru politician had called for official recognition of an annual remembrance day and to a fly a flag, every May 1, to honour victims of sexual violence. It was part of efforts to place the "burden of shame" on perpetrators, not victims of sexual abuse. The campaign echoes the sentiment of French campaigner Gisèle Pelicot, that "shame must change sides". The First Minister Eluned Morgan had agreed to look into backing the 'Not My Shame' initiative. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Cyngor Gwynedd recently voted to support the cause, and is the first council in Wales to fly the campaign flag at the council's offices in Caernarfon. It aims to be an annual reminder that the shame of abuse lies with the perpetrators and never the victims, and can happen to any child, in any community. The initiative follows the shocking crimes of Neil Foden, the former head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor, and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes. Foden, 66, from Old Colwyn was imprisoned for 17 years, after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period. Siân Gwenllian said 'Victims of abuse are always on our minds when we hear of these harrowing issues. 'A Gwynedd school in my constituency has suffered an appalling case of sexual abuse in recent years, and that criminal has been imprisoned for 17 years. The bravery of the young victims involved has been astounding. ''Not My Shame' reminds us that the shame of abuse should always lie with the offender, and never the survivors. Very often, victims of sexual violence say that they carry the shame of the offence as well as a deep pain for the rest of their lives. That must change'. During the Plenary debate First Minister Eluned Morgan had replied, saying "a number of people have suffered in your area as a result of the terrible things that have happened in that school. "You're right that we need to ensure that the shame is on the perpetrator, not on those who have suffered, not on the victims. Could I look into that just to see how far we can go and whether there's anything else that we do that means that we can't do it? "In principle, I don't have anything against it, but we'll see whether it's possible". Siân Gwenllian said the First Minister's response was "encouraging" and that the Welsh Government standing with Cyngor Gwynedd on this important issue, was "a strong message". Sera Cracroft 'Not My Shame' Ambassador, survivor and actres, said following the Senedd discussion: '"Sexual abuse of children happens in every country, in every culture, and in every layer of society across the world. I welcome all attempts to raise awareness of this message. "The support of Senedd Cymru would be invaluable and reinforces the fact that the shame of child sexual abuse lies solely with the perpetrator, and never the survivor". Gwynedd Councillor Beca Brown, who had successfully brought a motion to support the campaign to fellow councillors earlier this month, said: 'Sexual abuse shatters lives, tears families apart and scars communities. It can have a negative impact on mental and physical health and can affect the ability to form good relationships. "Effective parenting plus educational and economic attainment can also be affected by abuse. 'One in four women and one in six men have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood - harrowing figures that could be even higher. 'Victims of sexual abuse consistently say that there is not enough support available to them, and insufficient awareness of the trauma they carry forever. "Marking the first of May, annually, to remember the victims is imperatively important". Cyngor Gwynedd's deputy leader, Menna Trenholme who leads on children services at Gwynedd said: 'We all have a responsibility to make change by challenging stigma and shame that is associated with harrowing experiences". She encouraged anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek support. Children who need information and specialist support as a result of sexual abuse or violence can contact RASASC Gogledd Cymru [Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales] or call 0808 8010800. If you are a child who is being abused, or worried about a child being abused, contact Gwynedd's Children referral team: 01758 704455 (out of hours number: 01248 353551).
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
'Astounding bravery' of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden's victims praised
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 The "astounding bravery" of young victims impacted by the crimes of paedophile headteacher Neil Foden has been praised in Cardiff. It came as Arfon's Plaid Cymru MS Siân Gwenllian had sought support in the Senedd for a campaign which draws attention to the pain suffered by sexual abuse victims in Wales and around the world. The Plaid Cymru politician had called for official recognition of an annual remembrance day and to a fly a flag, every May 1, to honour victims of sexual violence. It was part of efforts to place the "burden of shame" on perpetrators, not victims of sexual abuse. The campaign echoes the sentiment of French campaigner Gisèle Pelicot, that "shame must change sides". The First Minister Eluned Morgan had agreed to look into backing the 'Not My Shame' initiative. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Cyngor Gwynedd recently voted to support the cause, and is the first council in Wales to fly the campaign flag at the council's offices in Caernarfon. It aims to be an annual reminder that the shame of abuse lies with the perpetrators and never the victims, and can happen to any child, in any community. The initiative follows the shocking crimes of Neil Foden, the former head of Ysgol Friars in Bangor, and strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes. Foden, 66, from Old Colwyn was imprisoned for 17 years, after being convicted of sexually abusing four girls over a four-year period. Siân Gwenllian said 'Victims of abuse are always on our minds when we hear of these harrowing issues. 'A Gwynedd school in my constituency has suffered an appalling case of sexual abuse in recent years, and that criminal has been imprisoned for 17 years. The bravery of the young victims involved has been astounding. ''Not My Shame' reminds us that the shame of abuse should always lie with the offender, and never the survivors. Very often, victims of sexual violence say that they carry the shame of the offence as well as a deep pain for the rest of their lives. That must change'. During the Plenary debate First Minister Eluned Morgan had replied, saying "a number of people have suffered in your area as a result of the terrible things that have happened in that school. "You're right that we need to ensure that the shame is on the perpetrator, not on those who have suffered, not on the victims. Could I look into that just to see how far we can go and whether there's anything else that we do that means that we can't do it? "In principle, I don't have anything against it, but we'll see whether it's possible". (Image: Senedd Commission) Siân Gwenllian said the First Minister's response was "encouraging" and that the Welsh Government standing with Cyngor Gwynedd on this important issue, was "a strong message". Sera Cracroft 'Not My Shame' Ambassador, survivor and actres, said following the Senedd discussion: '"Sexual abuse of children happens in every country, in every culture, and in every layer of society across the world. I welcome all attempts to raise awareness of this message. "The support of Senedd Cymru would be invaluable and reinforces the fact that the shame of child sexual abuse lies solely with the perpetrator, and never the survivor". Gwynedd Councillor Beca Brown, who had successfully brought a motion to support the campaign to fellow councillors earlier this month, said: 'Sexual abuse shatters lives, tears families apart and scars communities. It can have a negative impact on mental and physical health and can affect the ability to form good relationships. (Image: Sian Gwenllian Office) "Effective parenting plus educational and economic attainment can also be affected by abuse. 'One in four women and one in six men have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood - harrowing figures that could be even higher. 'Victims of sexual abuse consistently say that there is not enough support available to them, and insufficient awareness of the trauma they carry forever. "Marking the first of May, annually, to remember the victims is imperatively important". Cyngor Gwynedd's deputy leader, Menna Trenholme who leads on children services at Gwynedd said: 'We all have a responsibility to make change by challenging stigma and shame that is associated with harrowing experiences". She encouraged anyone affected by sexual abuse to seek support. Children who need information and specialist support as a result of sexual abuse or violence can contact RASASC Gogledd Cymru [Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales] or call 0808 8010800. If you are a child who is being abused, or worried about a child being abused, contact Gwynedd's Children referral team: 01758 704455 (out of hours number: 01248 353551). Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
