Following on from the National Safeguarding Team (NST) announcement on 25 February 2025 that they are seeking permission to bring disciplinary proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure against the Revd Tim Hastie-Smith, he voluntarily stepped back from ministry while our Diocesan Safeguarding Team carried out a further risk assessment and review. This has now been completed, and Bishop Rachel has been informed that there is no change to the conclusion reached in November 2024 following the publication of the Makin Review, that Tim Hastie-Smith does not present a safeguarding risk and should be able to continue his licensed ministry. Bishop Rachel has now been in contact with Tim who will return to ministry this weekend.
In terms of the Clergy Discipline Measure, we await the outcome of the NST’s application to the President of the Tribunals to bring the complaint ‘out-of-time’, and information about the specifics of the conduct complaint.
