Safe Spaces, the independent support service for survivors of Church-related abuse, run by the charity Victim Support, marks its first anniversary this week. 

The Diocese of London, working with Lambeth Palace and the National Safeguarding Team, has responded to the Coroner following the Inquest into the death of Fr Alan Griffin. The submission may be read on the Diocese of London’s website along with the Terms of Reference for the independent review .

An update on timing of the review

Meg Munn has been reappointed to her role as independent chair of the National Safeguarding Panel, NSP, and has agreed to continue in the role for a further two years. 

Following a recent meeting with survivors of the abuse carried out by John Smyth QC, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has made the following the statement today: 

At its April meeting General Synod unanimously approved the draft Safeguarding (Code of Practice) Measure which strengthens and clarifies the obligation to follow safeguarding guidance. 

The Church of England has today published its detailed responses to the recommendations of the IICSA report from October.

Jane Chevous, co-founder of Survivors Voices, a survivor-led organisation, has been appointed as a new member of the NSP.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Lincoln have met together to pray and discuss next steps following the conclusion of the clergy disciplinary process instigated after the Bishop’s suspension in May 2019 and subsequent investigation. 

Melissa Caslake, the Church of England’s national director of safeguarding, is moving on to a new role as Chief Officer for Children’s services for Devon County Council.