An investigation into allegations against several individuals from two former pupils at a former Chefoo school is “complex and sensitive”, mission organisation OMF International has said.
The investigation into “harm caused by several alleged perpetrators” at the school commenced after the former pupils made a complaint to OMF UK in June 2024. In January this year, OMF said in a statement that three specialist teams had been set up to conduct interviews.
An update on the OMF website on 19 September said it has formed a team of safeguarding specialists, senior OMF leaders and external experts to “conduct a rigorous investigation [as] part of an on-going legal process”. It added: “The inquiry is both complex and sensitive”, with the investigation being complicated by the historic nature of the enquiry, different time zones and the location of many individuals.
The statement said: “OMF remains committed to seeing the process through and cannot anticipate the outcome nor completion date of the initial investigation at this stage. The relevant legal authorities are being kept aware of progress, and we will publish a further update when appropriate.”
The former Chefoo school was established in 1881 by OMF’s predecessor, the China Inland Mission.
Help and support
If you are affected by events at a former Chefoo School and/or have any information which could help the investigation, please contact: chefoo.safeguarding@omf-mail.com. Other support is available via FearFree Support www.fearfree.org.uk / the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056
