The Diocese of St Albans has launched a voluntary call for information and listening exercise regarding possible allegations of abuse and harmful behaviour connected to St Andrew’s Chorleywood during the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. This initiative follows recent safeguarding disclosures which indicate there may be others who have been harmed and not yet heard during that period. The Diocese is working closely with St Andrew’s, which is fully supportive of the process.
The purpose of the process is to listen to survivors, identify support needs, manage any outstanding safeguarding risks, and ensure transparency and accountability.
Anyone with relevant experiences or knowledge is invited to come forward. Alongside the call for information, an optional listening exercise offers a safe and supported way for individuals to share their experiences in writing or through a facilitated conversation with a safeguarding professional. Participation is entirely voluntary and shaped by the individual’s preferences.
The process is guided by survivor-centred and trauma-informed principles and will be managed by a safeguarding case management group, independently chaired by His Honour Philip Waller CBE and overseen by the Diocese’s Safeguarding Advisory Panel.
“As Chair of the Safeguarding Case Management Group, and as a former chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel and a retired Family Court judge, I know how vital it is that we listen to those who have been harmed. This process is about creating a safe and respectful space for survivors to share their experiences, helping us to learn, to act responsibly, and to ensure accountability. I am committed to ensuring that this exercise is conducted with fairness, transparency, and the utmost care for those who come forward.”His Honour Philip Waller CBE
People can share their experiences in the way that feels safest to them, either securely online or over the phone. Every account will be treated with care and respect, and handled in line with safeguarding and privacy standards.
The call for information and listening exercise launched on 26 January 2026 and will conclude with a public summary by June 2026.
Find out more
- Access the call for information and listening exercise at stalbansdiocese.org/callforinfo
- Read the Terms of Reference.