Statement provided in response to an item on Channel 4 news this evening about the Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath.

A recent media report about the Church of England’s Redress Scheme contained inaccuracies and misleading information, which we are sorry has caused distress to survivors.

The lead bishop for safeguarding, Jonathan Gibbs, has previously written a letter stating that the National Safeguarding Team (NST) has no view about, and is not involved in, the wider issues relating to the College and the Dean at Christ Church, Oxford and this remains the case.

The National Safeguarding Panel has published its Annual Report for 2025, setting out clear recommendations for strengthening safeguarding policy, survivor engagement, and national consistency.

In response to your article ‘CofE is ‘being used’ in campaign against Dean of Christ Church’ I would like to point out that the National Safeguarding Team has no view about, and is not involved in, the wider issues relating to the College and the Dean.

Alex Kubeyinje, Director of the National Safeguarding Team, speaks to the Social Work Unfiltered podcast

Victims and survivors who use Safe Spaces report feeling heard, supported and more confident, according to the service's latest independent evaluation.

Churches across the country are encouraged to mark Safeguarding Sunday on November 17. 

The first independent audit of the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team has been published today, carried out by the INEQE Safeguarding Group and commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council.

We have been made aware of a complaint to the Charity Commission and of course will cooperate fully with any future process, because we are absolutely committed to the importance of safeguarding throughout the life of the Church of England.