The Welsh Conservatives have responded to the publication of the “Our Bravery Brought Justice”, the North Wales Safeguarding Board’s review into the horrific abuse committed by former headteacher Neil Foden.
The report exposes a catalogue of systemic failures, ignored warnings and missed opportunities by the Plaid Cymru-run Gwynedd Council, revealing how a predator was allowed to remain in positions of trust, including as an advisor to the Welsh Government and a “strategic super-head” overseeing multiple schools, despite repeated concerns about his behaviour.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said:
“To all those brave victims who have shared their story to the review, I am truly sorry for the abuse you suffered and the ongoing trauma because of the negligence of the Plaid Cymru-run Gwynedd Council.
“The report is a difficult and disturbing read highlighting the council's failure to act on over fifty early red flags, concerns from staff and repeated warning signs about Foden’s predatory behaviour has led to devastating consequences, with potential victims spanning decades.
“The report lays bare a catalogue of systemic failures, ignored warnings and missed opportunities, exposing how a known predator was allowed to continue working in positions of trust, even advising the Welsh Government and overseeing schools, despite repeated concerns about his conduct.
