News
November 18, 2025
Culture of control and covert bullying in Presbyterian Church facilitated errors, says former safeguarding head
A former head of safeguarding employed by the Presbyterian Church has said the internal culture in Ireland’s largest Protestant denomination enabled serious errors in safeguarding procedures.
**Culture of control and covert bullying in Presbyterian Church facilitated errors, says former safeguarding head**
A former top official responsible for protecting vulnerable individuals within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has raised serious concerns about the organization's internal culture, claiming it fostered an environment where safeguarding procedures were undermined and mistakes were more likely to occur. The whistleblower alleges that a "culture of control" coupled with instances of covert bullying created significant obstacles to effective child protection and vulnerable adult safeguarding measures.
The former head of safeguarding, who has chosen to remain anonymous at this time, claims the prevailing atmosphere within the Church made it difficult to challenge decisions or raise concerns without fear of reprisal. This climate, they argue, ultimately compromised the safety and well-being of those the Church was obligated to protect. The individual suggests that the hierarchical structure and emphasis on maintaining order may have inadvertently discouraged transparency and open communication, essential components of a robust safeguarding system.
The allegations point to a potential disconnect between the Church's stated commitment to safeguarding and the practical reality experienced by those responsible for implementing and overseeing these crucial policies. The former safeguarding head suggests that instances of covert bullying, while perhaps not overtly aggressive, created a subtle but pervasive sense of unease and fear, making it challenging for staff to effectively perform their duties and advocate for the vulnerable.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the largest Protestant denomination in the country, has yet to publicly respond to these specific allegations. However, the claims are likely to prompt significant scrutiny and calls for a thorough review of the Church's safeguarding policies, procedures, and internal culture. The allegations raise important questions about accountability, transparency, and the willingness of religious institutions to address potential shortcomings in their safeguarding practices. The hope is that these concerns will be addressed openly and honestly to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the Church community.
A former top official responsible for protecting vulnerable individuals within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has raised serious concerns about the organization's internal culture, claiming it fostered an environment where safeguarding procedures were undermined and mistakes were more likely to occur. The whistleblower alleges that a "culture of control" coupled with instances of covert bullying created significant obstacles to effective child protection and vulnerable adult safeguarding measures.
The former head of safeguarding, who has chosen to remain anonymous at this time, claims the prevailing atmosphere within the Church made it difficult to challenge decisions or raise concerns without fear of reprisal. This climate, they argue, ultimately compromised the safety and well-being of those the Church was obligated to protect. The individual suggests that the hierarchical structure and emphasis on maintaining order may have inadvertently discouraged transparency and open communication, essential components of a robust safeguarding system.
The allegations point to a potential disconnect between the Church's stated commitment to safeguarding and the practical reality experienced by those responsible for implementing and overseeing these crucial policies. The former safeguarding head suggests that instances of covert bullying, while perhaps not overtly aggressive, created a subtle but pervasive sense of unease and fear, making it challenging for staff to effectively perform their duties and advocate for the vulnerable.
The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the largest Protestant denomination in the country, has yet to publicly respond to these specific allegations. However, the claims are likely to prompt significant scrutiny and calls for a thorough review of the Church's safeguarding policies, procedures, and internal culture. The allegations raise important questions about accountability, transparency, and the willingness of religious institutions to address potential shortcomings in their safeguarding practices. The hope is that these concerns will be addressed openly and honestly to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the Church community.
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Politics