Section 3.6: The membership of a SCMG

Guidance 

3.6 - The membership of a SCMG

Ensuring consistency in the membership of an SCMG has been previously identified as a key enabler for evidence-based, unbiased and informed decisions. It is important, therefore, to differentiate between the members of an SCMG, and those attendees who will join a limited number of meetings in order to advise on specific aspects e.g. legal advisors.

SCMG members should be made aware of the commitment that joining an SCMG involves and the expectations regarding attendance and participation. Where there are absences due to annual leave or other reasons, consideration must be given as to whether appropriate cover should be put in place. Where members of staff or members of the SCMG leave, consideration should be given to how the transition can be made as seamless as possible for the complainant and the respondent.

The Safeguarding Officer and the SCMG Chair should exercise caution when deciding the membership of an SCMG in situations where individuals hold dual roles. Conflicts of interest need to be considered from the start and members should be clearly told in which role they are invited to attend.

Because the SCMG is not a court seeking to establish guilt or innocence, but rather a vehicle to identify and manage risk, complainants, respondents and their representatives and supporters are not members of the SCMG and do not attend SCMG meetings. However, it is crucial that their views, and any information they consider relevant to the identification and management of risk, are provided to the Group.

Membership for cases managed locally

In dioceses, depending on the circumstances of each case, the membership of an SCMG may include:

• Statutory services, where those services are able and willing to resource this;
• Diocesan officers:
  • the Safeguarding Officer;
  • an archdeacon, or other representative of the bishop;
  • other relevant diocesan senior staff;
  • in an advisory position, the Diocesan Director for Communications or a deputy;
  • in an advisory position, the Diocesan Registrar or a deputy.
• Parish officers:
  • the incumbent, if relevant to the case;
  • the Churchwarden(s);
  • the Parish Safeguarding Officer;
  • other relevant parties, by agreement.
• Religious Communities:
  • In addition, the DSP or Leader should be involved as appropriate.

Generally, Diocesan Secretaries will not be part of an SCMG but will be kept informed about key developments.

In cathedrals, the membership of an SCMG may include:

• the CSO and / or DSO;
• a residentiary Canon, acting for the Dean;
• the Cathedral Safeguarding Lead / the Canon who takes lead on safeguarding;
• other relevant senior Cathedral staff,
• in an advisory position, the Cathedral Communications Officer, or equivalent;
• in an advisory position, a legal advisor.

Generally, Deans and Cathedral Chief Operating Officers will not be part of an SCMG but will be kept informed about key developments.

Membership for cases managed at the national level

• National officers:
  • the NST: Director / Deputy Director for Casework / Casework Manager / members of the Casework Team;
  • a senior representative from the relevant archbishop’s office;
  • any other relevant national senior staff;
  • in an advisory position, representation from the National Communications Team and the Archbishop’s Communications Officer;
  • in an advisory position, Legal Officers or their deputies.
• Diocesan / Cathedral officers1
  • Safeguarding Officers
  • representatives of the Diocesan Bishops / Cathedral Deans;
  • in an advisory capacity, Diocesan / Cathedral Directors of Communication or Communications Officers;
  • other relevant parties, by agreement.

• 1from both the diocese or cathedral in which the alleged abuse took place and where this is required, from the diocese or cathedral in which the respondent now lives/or works