24 February 2021
Statement from Dilworth Trust Board Chairman Aaron Snodgrass
“We understand that a further two former employees of Dilworth School have been arrested on criminal charges relating to allegations of historical sexual abuse.
These new charges relate to historical incidents of alleged abuse of former students. None of the individuals charged continue to be connected to Dilworth School.
Dilworth School has been working actively with the police to support their investigation and has encouraged Old Boys who have been victims of abuse to lay a complaint with the police.
We take any allegations of inappropriate or illegal behaviour extremely seriously and see abuse of any form as a breach of trust for which the consequences are profound. We have been determined to confront honestly and openly what has happened and make sure that we do everything in our power moving forward to create and maintain an environment where our young men are safe and where they flourish.
The Board deeply regrets and apologises that some of our Old Boys have suffered abuse while in our care.
Our focus continues to be the wellbeing of our current students while supporting our Old Boys and our wider Dilworth community.
We have implemented a comprehensive programme of best practice initiatives and policies to proactively ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for our students.
We are also providing support services for those Old Boys who want and need them and continue to engage with our Old Boys and school community about the support services available to them, including access to a confidential, free Listening Service. We encourage any Old Boy wanting to discuss their experiences with an independent clinical psychologist to contact the Listening Service via email, [email protected].
The Board is also supportive of any Old Boys who want to contact the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care regarding experiences from their time at Dilworth.”