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

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.

Melissa Caslake, the Church of England’s national director of safeguarding, is moving on to a new role as Chief Officer for Children’s services for Devon County Council.

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.

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

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. 

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 Bishop of Bristol, Bishop Viv Faull has been appointed a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding, with a focus on liaison with diocesan bishops on behalf of the National Safeguarding Steering Group (NSSG) and with the wider Anglican Communion, and to speak on safeguarding in the House of Lords.

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.

Bishop of Huddersfield, Jonathan Gibbs, the Church of England’s lead safeguarding bishop said: “An independent investigation into allegations that the Dean, Martyn Percy, failed to fulfil his safeguarding responsibilities has concluded the Dean acted entirely appropriately in each case.