The Dean of Jersey has been reinstated after apologising for his handling of a safeguarding complaint.

The Very Reverend Robert Key was suspended in March after an independent report concluded that he had not followed policy when a vulnerable adult parishioner complained about abusive behaviour by a churchwarden in 2008.

He has been reinstated by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, who oversees Jersey.

Dean Key said: "I regret mistakes that I made in the safeguarding processes and I understand that, upon reflection, it would have been more helpful if I had co-operated more fully with the Korris Review.

"I now add my own apology to that of the Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury to the vulnerable person at the heart of this matter.

"I will be cooperating with the visitation and investigation announced by the bishop on 26 March.

"Together, the bishop and I are committed to the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in Jersey and to working to ensure the safeguarding procedures of the diocese achieve this as part of the whole Church's mission."

The fresh investigation is being overseen by former bishop John Gladwin.

Bishop Dakin welcomed the dean's apology and full cooperation in the ongoing inquiries.  

"Safeguarding must always be of paramount concern and is a vital part of the Church's mission. We will now press ahead with the visitation and investigation and see them through to their conclusions, as we all have important lessons to learn," said Bishop Dakin.

"At the heart of this matter is safeguarding the vulnerable who have frequently been let down by the Church.

"The dean's apology is a welcome one, and I am glad that he has joined with me in reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding.

"I am also glad that the dean has promised his full cooperation with these inquiries. I wish to assure the Dean and the people of Jersey of my prayers as we go forward together."