Following the establishment of the National Safeguarding Team in 2015 - replacing a 0.5 national post - the Archbishops' Council has recently reviewed its structure and after consultation will be advertising for a Director of Safeguarding.

Details and timescale published

Professor Alexis Jay to develop proposals for fully independent structure for safeguarding scrutiny

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

The Archbishops’ Council has approved the next steps in independent oversight of the National Safeguarding Team (NST), with the first phase to be implemented by the summer. 

Statement on publication of ISB annual report 

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

The Archbishops’ Council has voted unanimously that a proposal on interim independent oversight of the National Safeguarding Team is to be put in place before February Synod (2021) to pave the way for full independent oversight, by February Synod 2022. Both the Archbishops’ Council and the House of Bishops have already endorsed the principle of independence for the Church’s safeguarding work.

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.

New working group will bring together theologians, Church leaders and safeguarding professionals.