Skircoat Lodge Abuse Claims

Skircoat Lodge Observation and Assessment Centre

Skircoat Lodge in Halifax was a temporary facility to assess children who were extremely vulnerable and who had been placed in care by the local authority Calderdale Council. It opened in 1976 and closed in 1995.  

It was intended to be a sanctuary for them but for many of the children it proved to be anything but that.   

A joint investigation between the police and Social Services at Calderdale Council into abuse at Skircoat Lodge and other homes in the Calderdale area began in October 1997. 

There have been a number of arrests and prosecutions in relation to abuse at the home.

Abuse at Skircoat Lodge

Malcolm Phillips was the manager at Skircoat Lodge from when it opened in 1976 until 1994 when he was finally suspended during a NSPCC investigation into alleged abuse at the home. 

He was convicted in 2001 on 16 counts of indecent assault and 2 counts of indecency with a child. The offences took place between 1978 and 1988 and all related to the sexual abuse of young girls at the home. 

In 2018 a new police investigation into child sexual abuse at the centre commenced.

In February 2026, a criminal trial in the Bradford Crown Court found that following a trial of facts, Malcolm Phillips sexually abused four girls and two boys at the centre. 

Linda Brunning was a residential social worker at the centre for 16 years from 1978.  She was found guilty of indecent assault against a boy and helping Phillips to abuse another boy. 

Compensation 

Whilst nothing can change what has happened in the past, compensation can help you to take control of your life and get the justice you deserve. It can help you to move forward, seek any support you require and start to rebuild your life.

Jordans Solicitors has unwavering support for survivors of abuse at the home and their search for justice and accountability.  We have previously successfully acted in claims relating to alleged sexual abuse at the centre and are currently acting on behalf of a number of survivors of sexual abuse at the centre. 

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

We are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases, and with our extensive experience in handling abuse cases, you can be sure that your claim will be handled with the utmost levels of professionalism, sensitivity and understanding.