The Church of England Faces Urgent Need to Strengthen Safeguarding Measures In response to increasing scrutiny, the Church of England is committed to swiftly and effectively enhancing its safeguarding protocols.
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The Church of England is currently facing considerable challenges as it responds to the Charity Commission’s call for accelerated safeguarding reforms. Recent independent reviews have revealed serious issues that must be addressed. In light of these findings, the Archbishops’ Council is now under pressure to implement necessary changes more rapidly than originally planned.
The Charity Commission has mandated that these reforms be completed within 18 months, requiring the Church to act a full year sooner than expected.
Background of the safeguarding concerns
The urgency surrounding these issues arises from prior investigations, notably the ‘Independent Learning Lessons Review’ associated with the John Smyth case, commonly known as the Makin Review.
This review, along with others, including one led by Sarah Wilkinson and the Future of Church Safeguarding report authored by Professor Alexis Jay, has highlighted serious concerns regarding the Church’s management of abuse allegations. The situation escalated following the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, amplifying the demand for prompt and decisive action.
Regulatory action plan and expectations
The Charity Commission is collaborating with the Archbishops’ Council to evaluate their response to safeguarding challenges. While the Commission recognized some advancements in safeguarding practices, it stressed that the pace of reform needs to accelerate significantly. The Regulatory Action Plan details the essential steps required for the Church to effectively tackle these issues.
Independent safeguarding structures
At the heart of this action plan is the creation of independent safeguarding structures. The General Synod has already approved these changes, and the Commission anticipates the Archbishops’ Council will implement them without delay. This initiative seeks to rectify inconsistencies in managing allegations, particularly those concerning non-vulnerable adults.
Interim safety measures
As legislative changes are underway, the trustees of the Church are advised to implement interim measures that effectively address current safeguarding risks. This proactive strategy is essential for providing immediate protection until formal structures are fully established. The Church has announced plans to establish an independent oversight body for safeguarding prior to the enactment of any legislation, demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing safety.
The way forward for the Church
Looking ahead, it is essential for the Archbishops’ Council to engage with victims and survivors to ensure their experiences shape the safeguarding reforms. Effective communication and a supportive environment will be crucial in building trust and facilitating necessary changes. The Commission acknowledges the risks associated with hastening these processes but emphasizes the importance of a structured and sensitive approach.
As the regulatory body monitors the progress of the Archbishops’ Council against the outlined action plan, it retains the authority to impose further regulatory measures if adequate progress is not observed. The message is clear: the time for mere discussion has passed; tangible, decisive action is required to safeguard vulnerable individuals within the Church.
The journey toward improved safeguarding is complex and ongoing. The Church of England must adopt a more vigorous approach. The path ahead requires not only compliance with regulatory expectations but also a genuine commitment to listening to and learning from those affected by past failures. Only through such concerted efforts can the Church hope to restore confidence and ensure the safety of all its members.
