Child Protection
You may, or may not be aware, that by virtue of regulation 7(3) Staffing of Maintained Schools (Wales) Regulations 2006, the Welsh Assembly Government, placed a statutory requirement on governing bodies of schools to appoint an independent investigator to investigate child protection allegations made against school staff prior to the start of any school disciplinary proceedings by the governing body. My company, Servoca Dream Plc, against stiff opposition, were awarded the contract and to date have investigated nearly 100 allegations.

The investigation team is headed by the former head of South Wales Police CID and his team comprises twenty experienced investigators all of whom are retired detectives individually selected for their expertise, professionalism and sympathetic approach in this sensitive area.

Due to the success of this scheme it is our intention to expand into schools outside Wales, and other organisations, where I am fully aware allegations of a similar nature are received. I am conscious that the adverse publicity that such an allegation can bring to a school, or individual members of staff, can sometimes be astronomical if the Police are involved. Head teachers have a statutory duty to quickly analyse any allegation and react accordingly therefore contacting the Police, and other statutory agencies, to implement a strategy meeting or decide the matter does not need any further action. We provide a complete independent enquiry undertaken by experienced retired detectives which nicely pre-empt any police involvement and also satisfies the criterion that the matter has been professionally dealt with.

Should you require any further information please contact Bob Sherwood at Servocadream at 0845 075 4453 or e-mail at robert.sherwood@servoca.com

Yours faithfully

Robert Sherwood LL.B (hons)
Investigations & Projects Officer
Servoca Dream Plc