Thirtyone:eight has been commissioned by the Titus Trust to undertake an independent review of the current culture of the Titus Trust. This review will begin in September 2020 and it is planned that the final report will be published in Summer 2021.
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 have asked 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 review will focus particularly 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 review process will be independent, led by two reviewers who have a significant level of experience of undertaking safeguarding reviews. They will consider all known and relevant sources of information within the agreed scope and terms of the review. Additionally, the reviewers will seek to visit a range of camps in order to observe and gain a sense of ‘live culture’ in practice. This will be subject to government guidance in the current COVID-19 circumstances. A proposed timeline for this can be viewed here.
If anyone who has experience of the Titus Trust in the last five years, or that is relevant to the last five years, including any victims/survivors of any abusive behaviour, wishes to participate in the review, or to pass relevant information to thirtyone:eight, they can do so confidentially. Full details of how to contact the review can be found here.
It is recognised that the review process may raise some difficult memories, emotions, or experiences for some. The Titus Trust have therefore commissioned an independent helpline to offer support to anyone who feels they have been harmed or who has concerns relating to the review. The helpline is staffed by a team of caring and experienced professionals who will help to guide and advise. If you would like to speak to someone, call us on 0303 003 1111 and quote reference 'Titus 2020' so we can immediately know what your call is in connection with. Even if you're not completely sure about your concerns or what support you need, you can talk to someone who'll be able to help. Information you share with the helpline will not be shared with others, including the independent review team, unless you request it, or action needs to be taken to protect you or others (in adherence to standard safeguarding practice and protocol). Our safeguarding helpline is completely independent and a member of the Helplines Partnership.
Additionally, 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.
