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Independent culture review concerning The Titus Trust

Last updated: 30 November 2022

LATEST: The Titus Trust Support Fund administered by Thirtyone:eight, which was set up in 2021 to help those impacted by the independent culture review to access therapeutic support, will close to new applicants at the end of December 2022.

If you want to access support before the closing date, please contact [email protected]. Support for those already accessing help through the fund will continue.

About the review

Thirtyone:eight was commissioned by the Titus Trust to undertake an independent review of the current culture of the Titus Trust. The review has now concluded and the final report has been published.

The final report can be accessed on the Titus Trust’s website here: https://www.titustrust.org/culture-review.

Background

Over recent years, two volunteer leaders on Iwerne camps have faced separate allegations of harmful behaviour (in John Smyth’s case before the Titus Trust took over running the Iwerne camps; in Jonathan Fletcher’s case after this date). There have also been other criticisms of some aspects of the cultures of different camp groups.

In the light of this, the Trustees of Titus Trust invited Thirtyone:eight to undertake a robust and comprehensive exploration of any good practice and failings in the different cultures of each of the Trust’s holiday groups (including the work of Iwerne and Forres in recent years), and the culture of the Trust as a whole. The focus of the review was on what these cultures have been like in the last five years, in order to help the Titus Trust ensure they are creating a healthy culture for the future. 

The full scope can be viewed here.

We wish to thank all those who have participated in this review, often at great personal cost, and confirm that our Helpline remains open for anyone that needs support.

Review process

The review process was independent, led by two reviewers who have a significant level of experience of undertaking safeguarding reviews. They considered all known and relevant sources of information within the agreed scope and terms of the review.

Additionally, the reviewers visited a range of camps in order to observe and gain a sense of ‘live culture’ in practice.  The timeline for this can be viewed here.

Getting help and support

Listening service

A Listening Service has been set up through Thirtyone:eight which offers the chance for adult survivors of abuse to talk about their experiences in detail and in confidence with a sensitive listener. The Titus Trust have commissioned Thirtyone:eight to provide this service which is operated entirely separately and independently to the review (ie. the reviewers will not be the listeners). This listening service is open to anyone who requires further support including those who choose not to participate in the review. This service will remain available beyond the completion of the review.

Therapeutic support

Titus Trust have established a therapeutic support fund to help ensure those impacted by the events and findings of this review, are appropriately supported. To discuss access to this, please contact us on [email protected].

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