Hesley Hall was subject to a landmark ruling in English law, when it was held that an organisation can be held liable for the abuses of its employees. A criminal investigation has taken place into Hesley Hall, with the perpetrator of abuse receiving a seven-year sentence.

A national review has revealed extensive and systemic failures that allowed horrific abuse to occur at children’s homes run by the Hesley Group between 2018 and 2021.

Children with disabilities and complex needs suffered physical and emotional abuse, including being punched, kicked, locked outside naked, and having vinegar poured on their wounds. Despite Ofsted being warned more than 100 times about serious incidents, the homes continued to be rated as “good”.

An expert safeguarding panel found serious failings in both the leadership of the Hesley Group and the wider regulatory system. It concluded that “there was failure at every level” and warned that similar abuse could happen again without major reforms.

The report has prompted calls for stronger oversight, joint inspections by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission, and better training and staffing across residential childcare.

The Hesley Group has since closed the homes and stated it has made changes to its management structure. However, for many former residents, the effects of the abuse remain profound.

Navigating the legal maze of a child abuse claim can be tough, especially when you’re already dealing with emotional pain. That’s where we come in. At Switalskis, we’re not just experts in law – we’re people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll find a caring and confidential environment. We know how hard it is to talk about abuse, and we’re here to listen without judgement. Our team is led by David Greenwood and they are highly skilled in handling both recent and historical abuse claims. We’ll explain all your options in simple terms, so you know exactly what steps are available.

We’ll help you gather all the necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible. This could include medical records, witness statements or any other documents that could help. We’ll make sure you’re well-prepared and understand what’s happening at every stage.

Legal fees can be a worry, but we’re upfront about costs from the start. We’ll discuss our fee structure clearly, so there are no surprises later on.

 We’re not just here for the legal process. We understand the emotional toll a child abuse claim can take, and we’re here to offer emotional support as well. Once your case is resolved, our support doesn’t just stop. Whether you secure child abuse compensation or achieve another form of justice, we’ll guide you through the next steps and any further actions you may want to take. 

At Switalskis, we’re more than just child abuse solicitors – we’re a team committed to helping you through one of the most challenging times of your life. We’re here to offer expert, compassionate support every step of the way.