Operation Pallial: Victim-focused approach recognised by Children’s Commissioner

An interim report of Operation Pallial published on Monday 12th January by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales Keith Towler, attempts for the first time to identify emerging lessons from which any future operation could learn from.

The report examines the implications of Operation Pallial on children and young people in care settings today.

In November 2012, Operation Pallial was set up to examine specific allegations of past child abuse in north Wales.

Monday’s report looks at the early processes established by OperationPallial, including communications work, support for survivors, transition and the implications on children in present care settings in Wales.

The report looks at key areas such as support, communication and the Implications on children in present care settings.

Speaking about the report, Keith Towler, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, said:

“When I was asked by Operation Pallial to coordinate this work a critical element for me was to seek the views of survivors. I wanted to hear first-hand their experiences, as well as the opinions of professionals involved in the Operation, to enable me to draw up a series of robust learning points.

“I was fortunate enough to speak with four survivors who provided an honest account of their experiences and offered some constructive criticisms, which will be of some guidance to future investigations.

“From the outset I have been impressed with how Operation Pallial has successfully managed a survivor-led inquiry. I hope this publication will be the first in a series which will enable those leading the various past child abuse inquiries now underway to listen to the views of more survivors, and to ensure they all become survivor-led inquiries.”

The NCA’s Victim-focused approach recognised by Children’s Commissioner

Keith Bristow head of the National Crime Agency

In response to the report Keith Bristow the head of the National Crime Agency, the organisation tasked with the Pallial investigation i said:

“Today’s ‘Learning the Lessons’ report recognises the importance that Operation Pallial and partner agencies have placed on supporting people who have come forward to report abuse in the care system in North Wales.

“Ensuring that Operation Pallial started with and maintained a victim-focused approach has been essential in enabling us to conduct a professional investigation and place sexual offenders before the courts.

“Operation Pallial has been contacted by nearly 300 people, who have had the trust and confidence to come forward, and we have promised to provide feedback to every one of them, regardless of whether or not someone stands trial in relation to what they told us.

Operation Pallial has previously produced a public report on progress, has been independently reviewed and has always worked in partnership with other organisations to ensure that the National Crime Agency investigation is open and transparent.

“I know that imminent court cases and ongoing investigations have limited the number of victims that the Children’s Commissioner has been able to interview for his interim report, but we will incorporate any additional learning into our investigation as well as victim care arrangements delivered by partners. We will also ensure that this new report is available to other law-enforcement agencies conducting or starting similar investigations across the UK,” added Mr Bristow.

“I would like to personally thank the Children’s Commissioner for Wales for his advice, support and professional challenge to Operation Pallial during the past two years and I look forward to working with the new Commissioner once an appointment has been made.”

One man from Connah’a Quay, ex BBC local radio presenter Roy Norry is awaiting trial in April on charges of historical sex abuse against two boys.