Argyll-based charity says case was dealt with swiftly

Mary’s Meals has revealed one of its local staff members was involved in an “inappropriate relationship” in 2017.

In a statement the charity told TFN although no crime was committed, no minors were involved and the inappropriate behaviour did not occur while carrying out the charity’s activities, the staff member’s actions “were in breach of our code of conduct, which sets high standards for all those involved in our mission.”

“In 2017 we investigated one incidence of an inappropriate relationship between two consenting adults; a local male member of staff, from one of the countries in which we work, and a local woman,” the charity said.

Based in Argyll, Mary’s Meals works in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean feeding schoolchildren.

The staff member was dismissed promptly after the relationship was reported.

It added: “Our supporters will be reassured to know that Mary’s Meals has had no reported incidents of misconduct involving children.”

The revelation comes after the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (Sciaf) admitted it dealt with two cases of sexual abuse in 2012 and 2016 overseas.

Earlier Scotland’s charity regulator said that 13 cases of sexual misconduct were reported in the last two years.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator called the allegations “notable events” and said details had been passed to Police Scotland.