Victim Support has been awarded the contract to manage Safe Spaces, a joint Church of England/Church in Wales and Catholic Church in England and Wales (CCEW) project to provide a vital support service for survivors of church-related abuse.

The Church of England’s Independent Safeguarding Board has published Terms of Reference to review the handling of safeguarding issues regarding the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford

The Church of England and Catholic Church in England and Wales will be continuing to provide support for victims of church-based abuse, following a successful two-year pilot of the Safe Spaces service.

Report for service for victims and survivors of church-related abuse in England and Wales published.

Response to Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) recommendations from the National Safeguarding Steering Group, the House of Bishops and the Archbishops’ Council.

Letters to Church Times (August 2022) from the Chair of the Redress Board and the Redress Scheme Survivor and Victim Working Group

NEWS / Lord Carlile named as independent reviewer in George Bell case.

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.

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.