Safe Spaces is planned as a vital support service for survivors of church-related abuse across the Church of England and the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

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

On Tuesday 9th July General Synod debated the revised Abuse (Redress) Measure that will, once it comes into effect, make legal provision for the creation of the Redress Scheme for victims and survivors of Church-related abuse. 

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.

General Synod votes to enact IICSA recommendation on Diocesan Safeguarding Officers

 

Summary of March National Safeguarding Steering Group meeting 

Details of the proposed financial award framework for the Church of England’s national Redress Scheme have been published along with information about the proposed approach to funding the Redress Scheme. 

Bishop Jonathan Gibbs, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop, opened the meeting and highlighted what he described as the cultural resistance to and complexity of achieving real change in the Church and the personal pressure this puts on safeguarding leaders.

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.

NEWS / The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, lead bishop on safeguarding has issued a statement today following various media comments on his recent contribution in the House of Lords regarding Bishop George Bell.