AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW into historical child sexual abuse at Caldey Abbey, situated on Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire, has uncovered extensive abuse by members of the monastic community and critical institutional failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The report, led by safeguarding expert Jan Pickles OBE, was commissioned in April 2024 by Father Jan Rossey, the Abbot of Caldey Abbey, to address longstanding allegations and promote transparency and healing within the community.

The comprehensive review examined allegations of child sexual abuse spanning several decades, focusing on the actions of specific monks and the abbey’s responses to these allegations. It incorporated survivor testimonies, historical records, and an evaluation of the abbey’s safeguarding policies and practices.

Key findings

The review highlighted multiple monks involved in child sexual abuse, with significant attention on Father Thaddeus Kotik, who lived at the abbey from 1947 until his death in 1992. Kotik is alleged to have abused numerous children between 1972 and 1987.

The abbey failed to act on abuse allegations, allowing perpetrators to continue unchecked. Safeguarding policies were inadequate, and reports of abuse were ignored or mishandled.

Survivors have endured long-term trauma, worsened by the abbey’s failure to acknowledge their suffering or provide meaningful support.

The report outlined several key recommendations:

• Public Apology: Acknowledge the abuse and institutional failures.
• Support for Survivors: Establish accessible counseling services and avenues for redress.
• Policy Reforms: Implement robust safeguarding policies, ensuring all staff are trained to report abuse.
• Collaboration with Authorities: Establish clear protocols for reporting allegations to law enforcement and child protection agencies.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Engage independent bodies to review safeguarding practices regularly.
• Carl Harris, Assistant Director at NSPCC Cymru, said: “It is deeply troubling to read that child sexual abuse occurred ‘in plain sight’ on Caldey Island and the voices of children were not heard.

“This independent review identifies clear missed opportunities to prevent further abuse and bring Kotik to justice.

“It is particularly distressing to hear that children were not listened to and supported when they spoke up to raise concerns, and no action was taken.

“The report further highlights the importance of The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse’s (IICSA) recommendation on the need for religious organisations to have robust safeguarding processes in place.

“Child sexual abuse can have a devastating effect on victims, which is why it is so important that survivors can be confident that if they speak out they will be listened to and supported.

“We can all look out for children’s welfare, and anyone concerned about a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected].”

Response from Caldey Abbey

Father Jan Rossey expressed deep regret for the abbey’s historical failures and committed to implementing all recommendations. He emphasized the abbey’s dedication to creating a safe environment and supporting survivors.

The findings at Caldey Abbey underscore a broader issue of child sexual abuse within religious institutions, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and rigorous safeguarding measures.

The abbey plans to collaborate with survivors, safeguarding experts, and authorities to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations. Survivors and advocates stress the importance of sustained vigilance to prevent future abuse.

Statement from Abbot Father Jan Rossey

“It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have read in the review of the great suffering of children who were abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik and the culture of secrecy and cover-up that kept this hidden.

Opportunities were missed to stop the abuse of children. It is particularly heartbreaking to hear children spoke up to adults, and no action was taken.

Children and their families were failed when they should have been supported and listened to. The abuses should have been reported to statutory authorities.

On behalf of the monastic community, I sincerely apologise to all those who have been hurt and have suffered because of the abuse of Thaddeus Kotik and past failures to protect children.

It is a matter of great shame that this abuse was allowed to happen.

We are committed to implementing all the recommendations in the review and to ensuring that safeguarding is at the heart of our mission.

We will do all that we can to support those who have been harmed and to ensure that Caldey Island is a safe place for all.”

Safeguarding overhaul: Caldey implements comprehensive reforms

CALDEY ISLAND has undertaken a major overhaul of its safeguarding protocols and governance structures under the leadership of Father Jan Rossey. Initially appointed as acting Abbot in January 2023, Father Jan was confirmed in the role in April 2024 and has since spearheaded a series of reforms to enhance the safety and well-being of residents and visitors to the island.

Leadership and governance

One of the key developments has been a reshaping of the abbey’s leadership framework. In June 2023, Caldey appointed a new Island Manager alongside a volunteer Safeguarding Lead to focus on ensuring the highest standards of safety. By July 2023, a revised Board of Directors and Trustees was established, including lay members with legal and financial expertise. Safeguarding now features as a standing agenda item in the Board’s bi-monthly meetings, ensuring it remains a priority.

Further governance changes have made the Island Manager directly accountable to the Board, supported by newly agreed Terms of Reference and other governance structures.

Strengthening safeguarding practices

Caldey Abbey has conducted a thorough review of its safeguarding files, completed in December 2023, and commissioned an external review into historical abuse allegations. Initially launched in March 2024, this review was expanded in June 2024 to include all allegations, both historical and recent.

Training and enhanced policies

Ahead of the 2024 tourist season, the abbey provided safeguarding training to all monks, employees, volunteers, and islanders to bolster awareness and improve reporting mechanisms. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks were also expanded to include all individuals working or residing on the island. The monastic community underwent DBS checks as early as January 2023.

New policies have been introduced to address safeguarding concerns comprehensively. These include a code titled Caring Safely for Others, which monks must read and agree to, and updated processes for tenant and visiting priest applications that require rigorous vetting.

In collaboration with local authorities, the abbey has also adopted missing child forms and emergency planning measures. Safeguarding posters and dedicated reporting channels via phone and email have been implemented, making it easier for concerns to be raised.

Expertise and collaboration

A key milestone in 2024 was the appointment of a part-time Professional Safeguarding Lead, a qualified social worker, to oversee the abbey’s safeguarding practices. Additionally, a Safeguarding Subcommittee comprising independent professionals in health, education, and human resources now provides oversight.

The introduction of a GDPR-compliant system, My Concern, has further enhanced the secure storage and analysis of safeguarding concerns.

Caldey Abbey has also strengthened its partnerships with Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police, ensuring appropriate safeguarding referrals are made when necessary. The abbey benefits from guidance provided by Religious Life Safeguarding Services (RLSS) and is preparing for an audit by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) in 2025.

A safer future

Looking ahead, Caldey Abbey has advertised for a permanent part-time Safeguarding Lead and continues to expand its safeguarding culture. These reforms are part of a wider commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The Herald says: The publication of this report is a significant step toward justice and healing for the victims. It serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in all communities. The measures now in place mark a significant step forward for Caldey Abbey, signaling a new chapter that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all who live on or visit the island.