POLICE chief Robin Smith has apologised to abuse victims for comments made during a safeguarding meeting which appeared to dismiss the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
Mr Smith, who was sitting in a meeting alongside former government chief executive Dr Andrew McLaughlin, described the inquiry as a “noose around the Island’s neck” in a leaked video which has been at the centre of an explosive employment tribunal.
Addressing criticism following details of the meeting being made public, the police chief said that he acknowledged that his words “may have caused concern”, particularly among those who have experience abuse and those who have worked to ensure the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
Mr Smith said: “I want to be clear that I fully recognise the significance of the Care Inquiry, the suffering of victims and survivors, and our responsibility to ensure its findings continue to inform how we protect children and vulnerable people.
“My comments were made during a much wider discussion between senior leaders. The point I was making was that, while we must never forget the past, we must also have the confidence to move forward and use those lessons to shape the future. There is an important difference between moving on from the lessons of the past and moving forward because of them. My comments were intended to encourage the latter.
“I readily accept that some of the words I used could have been better chosen, and I apologise for any concern or hurt they may have caused.”
Alison Renouf has taken the government to tribunal, having been sacked from her position as safeguarding partnership lead after she shared a recording of the meeting with partner agencies.
The government has fought to suppress reporting on the details of the meeting, but the JEP has seen the video.
Mr Smith added: “As is clear from the transcript, there was no criticism from me of our staff, partners or the agencies we work alongside. I have the utmost respect for them and the work they do.
“I also want to clarify the position of the States of Jersey Police. Neither the police nor I are parties to these proceedings. Mrs Renouf was a Government of Jersey employee, not an police employee. I had no line management responsibility for her and no involvement in the government’s investigation, disciplinary process or decisions concerning her employment.
“The police has received no criminal complaint concerning Mrs Renouf and has undertaken no criminal investigation. Neither the police nor I are witnesses and, to my knowledge, neither has provided statements or evidence to the tribunal.”
The police chief added that he had been unaware of the tribunal proceedings until earlier this week or that comments he had made in the 9 January 2025 meeting were part of the evidence.
“I believe strongly in openness and transparency,” he added. “They are fundamental to building and maintaining public trust and confidence, and my comments should be considered in their full context.
“The substance of the proceedings is a matter between Mrs Renouf and the Government of Jersey and ultimately for the tribunal to determine. My concern is simply that my role, and that of the police, is accurately understood.
“Senior leaders must also be able to discuss difficult issues openly and honestly, with a reasonable expectation that confidential discussions will be respected. The circumstances in which this recording was shared are matters for the tribunal.”
