Mr. Ian Elliott:

In terms of methodology and, in a practical sense, the support that is offered to the staff involved in this work for whom I am responsible, I am very aware of the emotional cost that is involved in being effective in this work. I provide reflective supervision to each member of staff. That is an absolute guarantee. If I feel they are being overwhelmed by what they are being exposed to, I will withdraw them from that work. Our staff are very dedicated and committed people who have a history in scouting. It is a great source of distress to them that this has happened. They want to address the issue but, at the same time, I have a responsibility to keep them healthy. I must make sure they do not overstretch themselves because if they were to do that, they would not be effective in terms of working with the victim. Staff must have the capacity and emotional strength to do this work, and not everybody has that. Many people cannot do this work. We must have an ability to respond and we have that ability.

The victims' policy, which I believe will be adopted shortly, is a great step forward. It is a statement by the organisation that we are committed to this work and which sets out what we will do and how we will do it. It is a value statement and incredibly important. I praise and compliment the organisation on this policy. In addition, others who have been hurt in the past will take great strength from the fact that it is now the policy of the organisation.