Safeguarding presentation to General Synod from national safeguarding director Alexander Kubeyinje and lead safeguarding bishop Jonathan Gibbs

Summary of presentation on safeguarding independence and synod debate on safeguarding

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.

NEWS / The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Hancock, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop addressed February’s Synod on national developments and the Church’s preparation for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, IICSA.

General Synod votes to enact IICSA recommendation on Diocesan Safeguarding Officers
 

NEWS / General Synod today voted to endorse key priorities for action on safeguarding, focusing on themes which came out of the first set of hearings, in March, by IICSA (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse) into the ‘Anglican Church’.

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. 

General Synod voted unanimously today to endorse the Church’s response to the five recommendations from IICSA and urged its national safeguarding steering group to work towards a more fully survivor-centred approach to safeguarding, including arrangements for redress for survivors.

General Synod approves next steps for national redress scheme at its November 2023 sitting 

Details and timescale published