Investigations Into Allegations Of Abuse In Residential Homes Run By The Hesley Group In Doncaster

In October 2022, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel published its Phase 1 report into safeguarding children with disabilities and complex health needs in residential settings.

The review by the Panel covered the experiences of 108 children placed in three independent residential settings operated by the Hesley Group in Doncaster between January 2018 and March 2021. Those residential settings were:

All the children in these residential settings had disabilities and complex health needs and were particularly vulnerable. The review found evidence of physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, sexual harm, and medical needs not being met. It also found evidence that medication was not administered properly and in some cases, withheld. Children with profound difficulties received little support and were often abused.

Placements far from home increased the children’s vulnerability and some children were placed in a setting that was inappropriate for them.

Leadership and management were inadequate and failed to challenge the culture of abuse and harm which existed within the ‘homes’.

Staff was poorly trained and supervised and there were high rates of staff turnover. Many of the staff simply did not have the knowledge or training to respond to the complex needs of the children involved. The full report can be read here.

The review, which commenced in January 2022, followed a complex abuse investigation by Doncaster Council following twelve ‘whistleblowing’ allegations.  South Yorkshire Police are also carrying out a complex criminal investigation into allegations of abuse within these settings under Operation Lemur Alpha.

Operation Lemur Alpha is ongoing but has already identified several serious incidents of abuse and neglect.  As the investigation is ongoing the findings from Year 1 of the investigation have not yet been published.

The Panel will publish its Phase 2 report in late Spring 2023. This will explore the changes needed to the wider system so that society’s most vulnerable children are safeguarded and experience a safe, loving, and positive environment.