A top rabbi is to assume his senior appointment after an independent inquiry into allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour found in his favour.

Rabbi David Mitchell agreed to "take time away" from West London Synagogue in January after the JC revealed whistleblowers' dismay that he had been appointed joint senior rabbi of the shul.

But on Tuesday, after conducting an independent review, the shul announced Rabbi Mitchell would take up the position on April 1, as planned.

It published the executive summary of the independent review, in which former High Court judge Sir Michael Burton said: "I also considered general criticisms which were made by some of the complainants.

"Even if support for them could have been found without specific examples, they do not support a case for the Rabbi’s suspension, particularly when set against his manifest talents and experience."

In a joint statement given to the JC, the original whistleblowers who came forward in 2014, said: "We’ve known for weeks that West London Synagogue’s Board were waiting for media pressure to die down to reinstate him.

"Some might say that those supporting him have been vindicated, that we have in some way lost or failed. But we haven’t. If Rabbi David changes his treatment of young and vulnerable people, that is all we want.

"More importantly, this has led to ethics processes at Reform Judaism and the Assembly of Rabbis to stop this happening again."

The original whistleblowers' complaints were the subject of an internal investigation by the shul in 2016, which Sir Michael said would have been "in no way sensible, possible or any event just" to revisit.

In an email to congregants, the shul said: "I am sure you will join us in welcoming Rabbi David back to the Synagogue and you will of course be hearing from him very soon.

"Having drawn a line under this episode, we must now focus on the future – and on how we support each other through the challenging weeks and months ahead."

Rabbi Mitchell will become joint senior rabbi Rabbi Helen Freeman, to replace Baroness Julia Neuberger. When the shul gave an update on its review last week, it noted Rabbi Neil Janes had resigned.