Our Bravery Brought Justice: Cyngor Gwynedd's Response Plan

Following the offences committed by the former headteacher of Ysgol Friars, Bangor, Cyngor Gwynedd is committed to doing everything possible to learn lessons, strengthen safeguarding arrangements, and ensure that no child suffers in the same way again.

The Council adopted a Response Plan in January 2025 to guide this work. The Plan brings together improvements, investigations, reviews and learning activities under a single programme of work.

Response Plan Programme Board

The work is led and challenged by an independent Programme Board, chaired by Professor Sally Holland, former Children's Commissioner for Wales.

The Board oversees 7 workstreams, each led by a designated lead officer responsible for driving progress and reporting on outcomes.

Theme 1: Voice of the Child and Supporting Victims

Theme 2: Managing Allegations and Concerns about Adults Working with Children

Theme 3: Training and Policies

Theme 4: Governance in Schools

Theme 5: Restrictive Practices

Theme 6: Crisis Planning

Theme 7: Supporting and stabilising Ysgol Friars

Response Plan Programme Board Members

The Board is an independent body comprising professionals from the Council and other organisations, including:

- Cyngor Gwynedd senior officers and Cabinet members
- Ysgol Friars Headteacher
- Ysgol Friars Governing Body Chair
- Current Children's Commissioner for Wales
- Welsh Government representatives
- North Wales Safeguarding Board
- Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales