William Scott Farrell Review

The National Safeguarding Team, NST, is undertaking an independent lessons learnt review of the recruitment and appointment of William Scott Farrell, who pleaded guilty to safeguarding offences and who was Director of Music at Rochester Cathedral at the time of his arrest. He also admitted a previous offence while working as assistant director of music at Ely Cathedral. 

The objective of the Review, to be undertaken by independent safeguarding chair Chris Robson (see Terms of Ref) is to allow the Church of England to take steps to enhance and improve its response to allegations of abuse and, thereby, to ensure a safer environment for all. The Review will consider both good practice and failings in the Church of England’s safe recruitment practices in respect of William Scott Farrell, and the appropriateness of responses by Church of England bodies to allegations and anonymous concerns raised across each diocese in which he held any post.