Michael Gove Confirms Plans In Statement

Education secretary Michael Gove has confirmed that the Department of Education is to pass new information about Jimmy Savile related to children’s homes and schools to several local authorities for investigation.

In a statement, Mr Gove outlined that the information was linked to homes and schools in England across the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and was uncovered following a document review process by the Metropolitan Police on behalf of the Department of Health.

The affected sites are in areas as wide-ranging as Bournemouth, Devon, Hounslow, Kent, Leeds, Islington, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Redbridge.

It was also confirmed that Lucy Scott-Moncrieff has been appointed to provide oversight and quality assurance in relation to the investigations, in an effort to replicate the consistency of approach seen by the NHS in its own enquiries.

He added: “I have asked Lucy Scott-Moncrieff to ensure that investigating organisations take all practicable steps to establish what happened and why at the time of the incidents, and any lessons there might be to inform current safeguarding practice in our schools and children’s homes.”

Mr Gove he would “inform the House” of the outcome of the work to investigate the information.

Expert Opinion

Considering the extent and scope of investigations and revelations related to Jimmy Savile in the past couple of years, it is of course hugely concerning to see inquiries widen further to take in both children’s homes and schools. <br/> <br/>"It is vital that local authorities and other organisations responsible for considering these latest claims work quickly and thoroughly to provide answers regarding them, but it remains vital that victims of abuse get access to vital support to help cope with the psychological impact of what they have been through. <br/> <br/>"We would urge anyone with concerns regarding this issue to come forward safe in the knowledge that their voices will be heard. There are significant lessons to be learned from this scandal if the safeguarding of children is to continue to improve." Tracey Storey - Partner