Policy and Guidelines for historic child abuse allegations

Summary

A request was made for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture's policy and guidelines on handling historic child abuse allegations by employees. The authority responded that no such specific policy document is held, instead advising the requester to contact the Police Public Protection Unit directly.

Key Facts

• The Department of Education, Sport and Culture does not hold a specific policy or guidance document for historic child abuse allegations.
• The department advises individuals with allegations to contact the Police Public Protection Unit.
• The Police Reception at Headquarters can be reached on 631212 during normal business hours.
• The response was issued on 31st July 2017 regarding a request received on 15th July 2017.
• Requesters have the right to an internal review or appeal to the Information Commissioner if dissatisfied.

Data Disclosed

• 2017-07-15
• 2017-07-31
• 631212
• IM95269I
• 354881

Original Request

Policy and Guidelines for historic child abuse allegations by ex or current employees

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

31st July 2017

Dear

Re: Freedom of Information Request – Reference Number IM95269I

Your Request:-

Please provide your policy & guidance on how you deal with historic child abuse allegations by ex or current employees?

Department Response

In response to your request, the Department’s approach is that it would encourage anyone with allegations of historic child abuse to contact the Police. The Reception at Police Headquarters can be contacted on 631212 and the section that looks in to these matters is the Public Protection Unit. They operate during normal business hours. Alternatively, contact can be made with any police officer and they will take appropriate action.

If you are unhappy with this response to your Freedom of Information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a Review/Complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post to:
Mr Andrew Shipley, Legal and Administration Manager, Hamilton House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5EZ.

An electronic version of our Review/Complaint form can be found by going to https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/freedom-of-information/

Your Review/Complaint request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been conducted.

Appeal Process

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on;

1

Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act; or 2

Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.

Department of Education and Children

Rheynn Ynsee as Paitchyn

Chief Executive Officer Ronald Barr

Department of Education and Children Hamilton House Peel Road Douglas IM1 5EZ Direct Dial No:

Website: www.gov.im/dec Email:

In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision.

More detailed information on your rights to review is on the Information Commissioner’s website at https://www.inforights.im/contact-us/

Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Further information about Freedom of Information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi

Yours sincerely