A statement from National Safeguarding Team.

 Findings of survivor engagement national survey published

A resource to help local churches do some theological thinking around safeguarding has been published today by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC), in response to a request by the lead bishop for safeguarding, the Rt Rev Paul Butler.

The Church of England has published today new House of Bishops’ guidance on reporting safeguarding and other Serious Incidents to the Charity Commission. This is the first time the Church of England has produced Charity Commission approved guidance.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 has been amended to include a new section 22A which expands “Position of Trust” offences to include anyone who is coaching, teaching, training, supervising or instructing in a sport or a religion. 

The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Panel has appointed two new members. The Church of England’s National Safeguarding Panel has appointed two new members. 

Bishop of Stepney to be new lead safeguarding bishop

The Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty, has been appointed a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding with a focus on survivor engagement. She takes over from the Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin. 

Jane Chevous, co-founder of Survivors Voices, a survivor-led organisation, has been appointed as a new member of the NSP.

Two new members with professional safeguarding expertise have been appointed to the Church’s National Safeguarding Panel (NSP), chaired by Meg Munn.