Statement from Church of England lead bishop on concerns raised by former Dean of Christ Church, Dr Martyn Percy

Publication of lessons learnt review into Church of England’s handling of allegations against late Revd Graham Gregory

Safeguarding consultant Jane Humphreys has been appointed as the independent reviewer into the Church of England’s handling of the allegations relating to the late Revd Trevor Devamanikkam.

Steve Reeves has been appointed as the third member of the Church of England’s Independent Safeguarding Board, ISB. 

Two new members with professional safeguarding expertise have been appointed to the Church’s National Safeguarding Panel (NSP), chaired by Meg Munn.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have welcomed two key appointments to the new Independent Safeguarding Board.

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

Summary of September meeting 

It was announced that the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mountstephen, is joining the NSSG and will take on the role as Chair of the Redress Scheme Project Board. It was noted that the extensive programme of work in safeguarding will need additional new episcopal members. The Terms of Reference of the group also need to be reviewed to ensure that they are fit for purpose in the context of the implementation of the Independent Safeguarding Board.

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 .

The Church of England is supporting this year’s Safeguarding Sunday, 10 October 2021.