In January 2015, we were passed information by the Department of Health to investigate regarding an allegation that Jimmy Savile had sexually abused a child at Roecliffe Manor Children’s Convalescent Home in Woodhouse Eaves.
We employed the services of an independent external investigator, Sue Walters, to look into claims dating back to the late 1950’s/early 1960’s. During that investigation, Ms Walters identified that it was not us, but local charity ARC Leicester who are the legacy organisation, so we collaborated with them throughout the remainder of the investigation. We have thoroughly investigated all of the evidence we were given, and the final report was recently submitted to the Department of Health.
The investigation has concluded that sexual abuse of children residing at Roecliffe Manor is likely to have taken place, although the extent of such abuse is unknown. Despite this finding, it has not been possible to corroborate evidence to conclude that Jimmy Savile was responsible for carrying out any sexual abuse on children at Roecliffe Manor, or that he ever visited Roecliffe Manor. We have passed all of our relevant investigation materials over to Leicestershire Police.
Local people should be assured that the independent investigator, the CQC (Care Quality Commission) and local commissioners (Clinical Commissioning Groups) agree that we have very robust processes in place to protect children and vulnerable adults. However we are not complacent and we are in the process of implementing the recommendations from the report. Given our experience of safeguarding we have collaborated with and supported ARC Leicester offering our guidance on how they can implement recommendations and policies relating to safeguarding their patients against similar future issues.
