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The Board of West London Mental Health NHS Trust (WLMHT) and the Department of Health (DH) commissioned this investigation into the role Jimmy Savile played at Broadmoor following allegations that he sexually abused patients.

Terms of reference

Broadmoor Hospital reported directly to DH between 1949 and 1989, to the Special Hospitals Service Authority between 1989 and 1996 and to the Broadmoor Hospital Authority between 1996 and 2001. Broadmoor Hospital has been part of WLMHT since 2001.

DH and WLMHT will work together, with independent oversight from Kate Lampard, appointed by the Secretary of State for Health to oversee the NHS and DH investigations, to produce a report that will:

  • thoroughly examine and account for Jimmy Savile’s association with Broadmoor Hospital, including approval for any roles and the decision making process relating to these
  • review the access arrangements and any privileges accorded to Jimmy Savile, the reasons for these and whether they were subject to usual or appropriate supervision and oversight
  • review relevant policies, practices and procedures that were in place during Jimmy Savile’s association with Broadmoor Hospital and compliance with these
  • investigate past and current complaints concerning Jimmy Savile’s behaviour at Broadmoor Hospital or connected to his role there, including - what occurred, who was involved, whether complaints were appropriately reported, investigated and addressed and, if not, the reasons for this
  • review Jimmy Savile’s fund-raising activities associated with Broadmoor Hospital and any issues that arose in relation to governance or accountability for and use of the funds
  • consider the part played by Jimmy Savile’s celebrity status or his fund-raising role in relation to the matters mentioned above
  • review the adequacy of current complaints, safeguarding, whistleblowing and other relevant policies, practices and procedures relating to the matters mentioned above relevant to the DH and Broadmoor Hospital
  • identify recommendations for further action

The investigation does not have the power to impose disciplinary sanctions or make findings as to criminal or civil liability: where evidence is obtained of conduct that indicates the commission of criminal and/or disciplinary offences, the police and/or relevant employers will be informed.

Investigation team

The investigation will be led by a single investigator who is not a current employee of either organisation. The investigator will report to WLMHT and DH. A local panel, containing independent members, will challenge and offer advice to the investigation team (but not provide direction or instruction) as their work progresses.

How the investigation will be carried out

The investigation team will:

  • carry out their investigation in private
  • ensure the proper treatment of those who give evidence to the investigation, particularly vulnerable witnesses - full details will be set out in a witness protocol
  • ensure that the discovery work is robust and proportionate to the allegations and concerns raised
  • gather evidence to support the investigation including but not limited to hospital and official departmental files, Hansard (Parliament’s official report), statements from staff, interviews with victims and witnesses and examination of past and present practice, policy and procedure
  • work with the Metropolitan Police and any other police force investigating these matters, as appropriate
  • co-ordinate and maintain links with relevant external bodies including the local safeguarding boards and NHS London (and subsequently the National Trust Development Authority)
  • co-ordinate and maintain links with the investigation teams in the other NHS Trusts undertaking similar investigations, and with the BBC
  • work closely with the independent oversight team, led by Kate Lampard, throughout the course of the investigation
  • maintain an audit trail of all information relevant to the investigation

The investigation will be concluded as promptly as possible, while ensuring its thoroughness.

Report and recommendations

The Trust Board and the permanent secretary at DH will receive regular progress reports from the investigation team. The lead investigator will produce a written report that identifies any lessons to be learned and makes recommendations for improving systems and policies.

The report and any action plan flowing from the report’s findings will be received and approved by the Trust Board and the permanent secretary at DH before being presented to the independent oversight team, and finally to the Secretary of State for Health. The final investigation report will be published, as requested by the Secretary of State.

Other investigations into Jimmy Savile’s activities

Investigations are also being carried out into Jimmy Savile’s involvement in Stoke Mandeville Hospital and the Leeds General Infirmary. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Buckinghamshire NHS Health Trust are leading respectively on these investigations:

When the investigations have concluded, each will produce a report and these will be made public.

Kate Lampard, a former barrister, is providing oversight to these three investigations. She will ensure that they follow a robust process aimed at protecting the interest of patients. In light of any findings or recommendations from the investigations she is overseeing, she has also been asked to identify any themes that could improve processes or guidelines more widely. This is an important part of learning lessons from the investigations being undertaken.

Sources of support

We recognise that the information we are seeking is sensitive and that it may not be easy for people to come forward. The organisations listed below can provide advice and support to people affected by these issues.

Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

Provides free, confidential support. Call 0800 085 3330 or visit www.napac.org.uk.

NSPCC

Provides free, confidential support. Call 0808 800 5000 or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.

Samaritans

Provides a safe place to talk, where all conversations are private. Call 0845 7 90 90 90, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.

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