Appeal Authority appointed for Redress Church of England Scheme

The Church of England has appointed Her Honour Heather Baucher as the Appeal Authority for the Redress Church of England scheme for survivors of Church related abuse. The Appeal Authority is the independent judicial role responsible for determining appeals made under the Scheme.

Heather Baucher has over 24 years’ experience sitting in a judicial capacity. She was a Circuit Judge for 17 years, Tutor and Course Director at the Judicial College and a Nominated Judge for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office. Heather Baucher is also an Honorary Professor of Law and Fellow at Queen Mary University (London) and a Legal Chair to the Financial Reporting Council Tribunal Panel.

There is a right of appeal under the Redress Measure 2025, and the Appeal Authority is responsible for determining appeals under the Scheme. In carrying out those functions the Appeals Authority is independent of the Church of England, the Archbishops’ Council and the Scheme Administrators (Kennedys).

The appointment forms part of the continuing implementation of Redress Church of England ahead of its opening.