Work is underway in all 42 dioceses on the Church of England's Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) with a key focus on listening to survivors who want to come forward. The Church was criticised for not including their voices in the original PCR 2007/8 as shown in an independent scrutiny report, published in 2018.

The Church of England's statement on the Smyth case.

Statements from Bishop Stephen, Archbishop Justin and the National Safeguarding Team.

Blog from new lead safeguarding bishop as he takes up the role.

We have been made aware of a complaint to the Charity Commission and of course will cooperate fully with any future process, because we are absolutely committed to the importance of safeguarding throughout the life of the Church of England.

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.

The Bishop of Huddersfield, Jonathan Gibbs was announced as the Church of England’s new lead safeguarding bishop in February 2020, taking over from Bishop Peter Hancock, the Bishop of Bath and Wells. In March 2022 it was announced that Bishop Jonathan was to be the next Bishop of Rochester but as planned would continue as the lead safeguarding bishop until the end of March 2023.

The Archbishops’ Council, at its meeting on Wednesday (Sept 23), voted unanimously for safeguarding proposals to offer both immediate practical support to survivors of abuse and also to strengthen independence in the Church’s safeguarding work.

The Terms of Reference for the ‘PCR2 Reference Group’ which will oversee Past Cases Review 2 for the National Church Institutions has been published today.  

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.