Theme 1: Voice of the Child and Supporting Victims

 

What does the Our Bravery Brought Justice report say?

(This is the report that was published following the North Wales Safeguarding Board's investigation into the former Headteacher's crimes (See full report)

• Professionals had not listened to children's concerns.
• When safeguarding concerns were raised, workers had not spoken to the child to listen to their story at all times.
• More needs to be done to support victims who have experienced trauma.

What has already been done to improve things?

• A personal apology has been offered to the girls who were abused by the former Headteacher.
• Cyngor Gwynedd is working with experts from the North Wales Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASAC) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) to ensure that personal support is available to those who have suffered. This includes emotional support, access to therapeutic services and practical support. Not all victims have taken up the offer, but the support will continue to be available for them whenever they require it.
• The Council has changed the arrangements when a safeguarding concern is reported about a child and a professional adult (known as 'Part 5 referrals'). Cyngor Gwynedd's Children Department now ensures that the child is given an opportunity to speak with social workers on every occasion.

• Cyngor Gwynedd is employing a worker to support the Youth Forum to ensure that young people can voice their opinion and contribute to the Council's decisions.
• The Council has reminded every School of the need to display posters with the NSPCC's contact details in prominent places in their schools to ensure that children and young people know how to get support if they need it.

 

What will happen between January 2026 and July 2026?

Cyngor Gwynedd will...

• Develop the Child's Voice Charter that will explain how Cyngor Gwynedd listens to children and young people.
• Hold a Child's Rights workshop for the Youth Forum and Members of the Programme Board (February 2026).
• Look at how children and young people have their say across the Council and look at what would need to be changed to ensure that Gwynedd is a "child-friendly" council.

What will Cyngor Gwynedd have achieved by February 2027?

• ⁠All Cyngor Gwynedd staff will have an opportunity to receive training to ensure that they understand how difficult experiences can impact children. The aim is to make Cyngor Gwynedd a place that thinks about feelings and is "trauma-informed".
• Cyngor Gwynedd will ensure that every school pupil can recognise the signs of grooming and know how to confidently report it.
• ⁠An arrangement will be in place to ensure that the Youth Forum is an important part of the decision-making process, and that the Forum members can give their opinion on the Council's work.

Measuring impact

• Feedback from the Victims Support Group about the experience and quality of the support offered by Cyngor Gwynedd.
• Feedback from the Gwynedd Youth Forum, considering young people's confidence and experience of the safeguarding procedure in schools.
• The percentage of Council staff who have completed the Trauma-Informed Training.
• The Child's Voice/Participation Policy are reviewed and updated regularly, with input from children and young people across Gwynedd.

 

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