Historical evidence · Original archive documents · 1977
Original correspondence from 1977 between representatives of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) and the Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE), preserved by the Modern Records Centre at the University of Warwick.
These records are published here as historical evidence for critical scrutiny, not as an endorsement of PIE or its activities.
What the documents establish
One letter, dated 3 August 1977, was signed by Chris Andrews as BASW General Secretary and addressed to David Grove of PIE. It acknowledged PIE literature and asked questions about social-work practice. A reply dated 8 October 1977 on PIE letterhead was signed by Tom O’Carroll and described attempts to gather members’ views concerning social workers.
Other material in the file consists of seminar-related correspondence concerning the proposed appearance in London of Edward Brongersma, including a complimentary invitation and a circular describing a change of venue.
The value of this archive lies in what its contemporary originals actually say. We have therefore provided the scans with dates, their provenance and explanations that distinguish recorded facts from unresolved research questions.
Original records · Six supplied images
These six images were supplied by the Modern Records Centre on 22 October 2026 under catalogue reference MSS.378/BASW/4/670. Some are separate scans or copies of the same circular, not six independent pieces of corroboration. Residential address/contact details on two public copies have been masked; the original unaltered scans are retained separately for evidential integrity.
Chris Andrews, identified as General Secretary of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), writes to David Grove of PIE. He discusses PIE literature, a mailing-list request and questions concerning social work practice. A residential address in the scan has been obscured.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _005
Tom O’Carroll responds on PIE letterhead. He refers to a proposal to seek views from PIE members about their experiences with social workers, and describes an earlier enquiry by John Hart.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _006
PIE complimentary ticket and handwritten note addressed to Chris Andrews, referring to Dr Edward Brongersma’s proposed London visit and discussion. Handwritten private contact details have been obscured.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _004
A PIE circular signed by Tom O’Carroll describes a change of venue for a proposed seminar in September 1977.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _001
A copy of the Brongersma seminar circular with a handwritten admission note. Retained as a separately delivered archive scan.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _002
A further scan of substantially the same annotated circular. Shown for completeness, not presented as independent corroboration.
Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick · MSS.378/BASW/4/670 · Filename suffix _003
Key dates
Scope and limitations
The 1977 exchange demonstrates the importance of examining original professional correspondence when researching the historical safeguarding environment. It raises legitimate questions about contemporary professional approaches and oversight, but the documents do not themselves identify Richmond Borough Council, Grafton Close, its managers or the later abuse discussed elsewhere on this website.
The Richmond direct-negligence case is evaluated separately: the required inquiry concerns the duties owed to children in care, the safeguarding system actually operating at the relevant time, foreseeable access and removal risks, alleged breaches and resulting harm. Historical association is not proof of legal liability.
For related evidence, see the Richmond safeguarding case, police investigations, and the evidence archive.