Safeguarding: A safer church

Lighthouse

A safer church

Safeguarding

The Church is committed to safeguarding as an integral part of its ministry and mission, promoting a safer culture and the welfare of every child, young person and adult. As such, the Church has robust policies, procedures and guidelines in place, to ensure good practice throughout the central organisation, its 42 dioceses and other Church bodies.

The Church of England will:

  • Promote a safer environment and culture
  • Safely recruit and support all those with any responsibility related to children and vulnerable adults within the Church
  • Respond promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
  • Care pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
  • Care pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
  • Respond to those that may pose a present risk to others

Learn more about the governance of safeguarding in the Church of England.

Read more about the reports and responses to recommendations from IICSA's Anglican Church in England and Wales investigation.

Reporting a concern and finding support

How to report and raise concerns, and information about organisations and charities that support victims of abuse.

Safe Spaces

A free and independent support service, for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church.

Interim Support Scheme

To give immediate help and support to survivors whose life circumstances are significantly affected by the abuse suffered.

Survivor engagement

Enabling survivors and victims of abuse to have a say and an active role in making the Church of England a safer place for all.

Redress Scheme

The Church is currently in the process of developing national proposals for redress working with victims and survivors.

Reviews and reports

Independent lessons learnt reviews, Past Cases Review 2 and SCIE audit reports.

National Safeguarding Standards

Documentation, resources and tools for the National Safeguarding Standards and accompanying Quality Assurance Framework.

Learning and development

A range of safeguarding learning pathways for people with roles in the Church of England to complete.

Resources and campaigns

Resources and campaigns that will help anyone involved in Church life understand and promote good safeguarding.

E-Manual, policy & practice guidance

Safeguarding Guidance and Codes of Practice

Contact the safeguarding team

  • The National Safeguarding Team manages safeguarding cases relating to senior clergy including bishops and deans. Contact: [email protected].
  • There are Safeguarding Advisers in every Church of England diocese across the country and Safeguarding Officers in every parish. Use Diocesan Safeguarding Teams map to contact your local safeguarding team.