Members of the Church of England's General Synod are to meet remotely for the first time, in response to the restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

General Synod today voted on the next steps following the publication of independent reports on safeguarding

New legislation governing Diocesan Boards of Education (DBEs), which oversee and support Church of England schools, has received final approval from General Synod.

Summary of presentation on safeguarding independence and synod debate on safeguarding

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

Timetable for informal virtual meeting of General Synod members published.

The General Synod voted today to apologise for racism experienced by black and minority ethnic people in the Church of England since the arrival of the Windrush generation.

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.

The General Synod of The Church of England has approved legislation following the Archbishop’s Commission on the relationship of the Channel Islands to the wider Church of England.

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.