UK barrister Fiona Scolding KC is urging more individuals to come forward and share their experiences in the ongoing investigation into safeguarding failures related to Mike Pilavachi and Soul Survivor Watford, which she is leading.

In a statement on Soul Survivor Watford’s website, Scolding acknowledges the challenges many may face in recounting their experiences but assures that further meetings will only take place if desired by the individuals.

Last November, Soul Survivor Watford initiated an independent review into safeguarding lapses by its founder, Mike Pilavachi after the National Safeguarding Team established that the 65-year-old pastor had used his spiritual authority to "control people," resulting in "inappropriate relationships, physical wrestling of youths, and massaging of young male interns".

The review aims to assess the historical and current culture and practices of Soul Survivor, investigating whether they "enabled, condoned, or exacerbated" Pilavachi's actions. The scope also includes scrutinising governance, policies, practices, and oversight by trustees and other leadership roles within Soul Survivor, as well as external entities like the Diocese.

Scolding wrote: “We recognise the trauma and difficulty that many of those contributing to the NST investigation may have faced when sharing their experiences. We do not want to cause you further upset and distress by meeting with you again (unless you wish to). “However, we are unable to reflect your experiences in our report unless you give the NST consent to share them with us.”

People are encouraged to contact her team by 15th March to contribute to the investigation.

For more information on the allegations surrounding Soul Survivor and its founder, Mike Pilavachi, listeners can explore the details in Premier's Soul Survivors podcast.