Thank you for taking the time to engage with this consultation exercise.
We are seeking feedback on the design of a proposed new safeguarding organisation. The consultation is now open and will run until 11pm on 17th May 2026.
In a joint message for the consultation, the Independent Executive Chair, Dame Christine Ryan, and the Deputy Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Bishop Joanne Grenfell, write:
“Following General Synod’s overwhelming support for our strategic plans to rebuild trust and deliver professional, independent safeguarding across the Church, the work to translate that vision into a detailed, structured programme of change is well underway.
“At the heart of these reforms is the creation of a new national safeguarding organisation that will operate independently of Church hierarchy, governed by a majority-independent Board. This consultation seeks your views on the detailed design of this organisation, referred to in the consultation as the “Authority”.
“Whether you are a survivor, a parish volunteer, a safeguarding professional, a Church officer, or a member of the wider public, your perspective will help us refine these proposals. Your feedback and viewpoints are essential and will help ensure the proposals are robust, sustainable, and fit for purpose.”
How to take part
Everyone is welcome to submit a response via the online form linked below, and all of the information you need to respond can be found in the Explanatory Document which explains in more detail the design proposals on which we are seeking feedback and views.
A Privacy Notice has been prepared for the purposes of this consultation, linked below.
Upcoming information briefings
To support engagement with the consultation process, the Safeguarding Structures Reform programme team has scheduled a number of information briefings. The goal of the briefings is to ensure everyone who wishes to submit a response has the clarity they need to engage fully with the consultation exercise. However, you do not need to attend a briefing in order to respond.
Contact the team
If you have any questions regarding the consultation exercise or the process, please contact the Safeguarding Structures Reform team [email protected].