A recent report regarding concerns raised about a former head teacher’s inappropriate behavior with teenage girls prior to his arrest is being withheld from the public. Neil Foden, who was described as a “depraved, arrogant bully,” is currently serving a 17-year sentence for sexually abusing four young girls. Despite allegations dating back four decades, the details of the report commissioned by Cyngor Gwynedd are being kept confidential due to sensitive information it contains.
The investigation, led by barrister Genevieve Woods, focused on events in 2019 when the council failed to address concerns about Foden’s relationships with young girls. While the report’s conclusions were received by officers in mid-March, the decision to withhold its details from councillors and the public was made to protect sensitive information, including data related to children and employment matters. The council cited the need for specialist legal advice to determine what could legally be disclosed.
Foden, formerly the head teacher of Ysgol Friars in Bangor, is eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence, and the report aimed to investigate whether proper procedures were followed when concerns were raised about his behavior. The delays in releasing the report have raised concerns among some councillors, who question the council’s commitment to transparency. External legal advice is being sought to navigate legal requirements around data protection, employment laws, and children’s privacy.
In addition to the internal investigation, a Child Practice Review chaired by Jan Pickles has been established to understand the circumstances surrounding Foden’s actions and prevent similar incidents in the future. The report by Genevieve Woods is expected to aid in the review process and provide valuable insights into key events. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales has been monitoring the council’s progress and expects full transparency in handling the sensitive information contained in the reports
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
