Response to ISB case study review

06/06/2023

Following the publication of the Independent Safeguarding Board's case study review  and statement the Church of England’s Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, said:

“We must not forget that at the heart of this report and its recommendations is a survivor and his welfare and well-being remain at the forefront of all we do.

“The National Safeguarding Team had already started working on some of the recommendations before the report was commissioned and published.

“On the Interim Support Scheme – this was set up as a pilot in 2020 as part of the Church’s recognition of the harm that has been caused not only by abuse itself, but by the Church’s responses to survivors. We have kept it under constant review with a view to improving the service that we provide. There are already plans to increase staffing, in order to shorten waiting times, improve accessibility and stream line the process of applying. On recommendation 7, we have been making every effort to set up a case management group meeting.

”I have been working with colleagues across the Church, including ongoing communication with Mr X and his advocate, to try to resolve this and will continue with these efforts.”