Church of England in Suffolk issues statement after former Diocesan Secretary Gavin Bultitude issued with Sexual Risk Order

The Church of England in Suffolk has issued a statement after a man who held one of its most senior posts was issued with a Sexual Risk Order.

Gavin Bultitude, of Ipswich, appeared at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 2, where he was made subject to a SRO for five years.

The 57-year-old was announced as Diocesan Secretary last May, which is the one of most senior posts within the Church of England in Suffolk and includes helping the Bishop’s senior management team to lead on strategic planning, shaping policy as well managing the Diocesan Office in Ipswich.

The SRO, which was granted by magistrates, is the first of its kind to be made in the county under the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

The application was made following an investigation by detectives.

No criminal charges were laid. However, a decision was taken to apply for a SRO.

The SRO will be overseen by Suffolk Police’s Public Protection Unit.

Under the order there are restrictions on his use of the internet and computer software, as well as contact with children.

John Howard, spokesman for the Church of England in Suffolk, said the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich suspended Bultitude from his job during late February 2023 as soon as they were made aware of a police investigation into his online activities outside of work.

“The necessary and appropriate diocesan human resources procedures then followed,” he said.

Bultitude was then dismissed from his employment the next month, in March.

Mr Howard said that Bultitude did not work directly with children during his employment of less than a year with the diocese, and it had received no complaints about his conduct in the workplace.

He added: “However, we acted quickly following the commencement of the police investigation and have been awaiting the outcome of the investigation before commenting.

“Mr Bultitude’s role is now being undertaken by the Deputy Diocesan Secretary until we recruit a new Diocesan Secretary.”