08/06/2023
Statement from National Safeguarding Team and Diocese of St Albans
Soul Survivor Watford Trustees have announced today the suspension under HR processes of two serving members of staff following information submitted to the investigation into Mike Pilavachi which is being run jointly by the diocese of St Albans and the National Safeguarding Team, NST, according to House of Bishops guidance. This information relates to the handling of allegations and concerns raised in the Mike Pilavachi case and we cannot say anymore while this new strand of investigation runs its course. The Bishop of St Albans has requested that the senior pastor voluntarily withdraw from any ministry until the investigation is concluded. Support is being offered to all those involved.
If you would like to speak to anyone connected to this investigation or have been affected please be assured that any concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and support / access to counselling is available.
Please contact Jeremy Hirst at the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at [email protected] or Judith Renton, Ian Bowles or Anthony Clarke at the National Safeguarding Team at [email protected] who will listen to what you have to say. Again, please be assured that any safeguarding concerns raised will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.
If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by this news and want to talk to someone independently, please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056
NOTES
May 2023 Statement from Archbishop of Canterbury on the investigation