Redress FAQs

On this page you will find answers to some of the common questions people have about the Redress Scheme. While the answers aim to be as clear as possible, there may be gaps in the information provided and you might want to ask a question of the project team. If so, please email [email protected] and a member of the team will respond to your query.   

As further decisions are made by the Redress Project Board and progress is made, the FAQs we be updated in a timely fashion to reflect developments so that the information provided below is an accurate summary of the status of the project.  

There is not yet any confirmation of when the Scheme will be available to eligible applicants but please be assured that significant progress is being made, especially given the complexities involved, and more information will be made available once a firm timeline is known.   

If you have any comments about the FAQs, please email the project team: [email protected]  

About the Redress Scheme  

Background to the Church of England's Redress Scheme.

What is the Church of England National Redress Scheme?
Why is the Redress Scheme being set up? 
Who is involved in its development? 
When will the Redress Scheme be available? 
How long will the scheme run for?

Eligibility and Application 

Information about the eligibility criteria and application process.

What are the application criteria?
How do I apply?
How do I submit an application?
What if I don’t have access to a computer? What if I can’t use a computer?
Can someone help me complete the application?
What happens if I change my mind and don’t want to pursue my application?
What ‘standard of proof’ will need to be satisfied? 
How do I know I am eligible?
What happens if I’m not eligible?
What information do I need to provide in my application?
Is there a time limit to complete my application?
Can I pause my application and come back to it?
Who will I have day-to-day contact with?
How will you contact me?
How will you use and process my data?
Why do you need my ID?
What if I do not have the required ID, what do I do?
Will I have to deal with the Church directly?
What happens if my application highlights a new safeguarding disclosure?
Will I have contact with my abuser?
What happens if there are ongoing criminal proceedings involving an abuser?
Will my application be closed if there is a period of inactivity?
Can I apply on behalf of a deceased survivor?
Can I stop and withdraw my application?

Financial Awards 

Information about the financial awards and how they are calculated.  

How much might I be awarded?
Who decides how much money I will receive?
How is an award calculated?
Will my offer of redress be time-limited?
When will I receive an offer?
Can I claim for my loss of earnings?
What is the maximum award I can receive under the Scheme?
How will payment be made to me?
How long does it take for the payment to reach me?
What happens if I lack capacity?

Other Forms of Redress

Information about bespoke redress tailored to your needs. 

What other forms of bespoke redress are available?
When can I ask for individual forms of bespoke redress?
Will I be offered psychological treatment/counselling?
Can I have an apology?
Can I meet someone from the Church to discuss my abuse?
Can I meet my abuser?

Previous and Future Claims 

Information about how previous or future claims may affect an application.

Can I apply if I have previously brought a successful civil claim?  
Can I apply if I have an ongoing civil claim?
Will my previous award be offset or deducted?
Can I apply if my previous civil claim was refused?
Can I still bring a civil claim after my application is concluded?
Can I apply if I have already had support from the Church of England’s Interim Support Scheme (ISS) or diocese?

Medical Information

Information about what medical details you maybe asked to share to support your application.

Will I have to provide my medical records?
Will I have to be examined by a psychiatric expert?
Can I see the medical report?
What happens if I am not satisfied with my medical report?
Do you have male and female examiners?
What happens during the medical examination?
Who will pay for the medical expert’s report?