Church of England to Overhaul Safeguarding System

Church of England to Overhaul Safeguarding System

The Church of England is set to take the first step towards making its safeguarding system independent of the religious institution. This move aims to restore confidence following multiple failures in handling abuse cases.

General Synod to Vote on Safeguarding Models

The Church’s ruling body, the General Synod, will decide between two different safeguarding models. The Synod convened in London for the first time since the resignation of its former leader in November due to an abuse cover-up scandal.

Call for Radical Change

Lead safeguarding bishop Joanne Grenfell emphasized the necessity of these reforms, describing them as radical but essential. The proposals are scheduled for debate and a vote by the Synod.

Crisis in Safeguarding Practices

With 85 million Anglicans across 165 countries, the Church has been facing ongoing scrutiny regarding its safeguarding practices. Reports have surfaced with additional allegations of abuse since the former leader’s resignation.

Temporary Leadership and Pledge for Improvement

Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, who has stepped in temporarily, acknowledged the breakdown of trust within the Church. Addressing the Synod, he committed to improving the safeguarding system. While Cottrell himself has faced accusations of past safeguarding failures, he admitted to making mistakes but defended his actions.

Proposed Safeguarding Models

The new safeguarding proposals outline two potential models:

1. Limited Transfer Model: Transfers most of the staff from the National Safeguarding Team (NST) within the Archbishops’ Council to an external body.
2. Comprehensive Transfer Model: Moves NST staff as well as safeguarding personnel from cathedrals and diocesan teams to an external body.

Grenfell supports the second option, stating that both models aim to enhance consistency and minimize conflicts of interest.

Key Features of Both Models

Both proposals include the establishment of an external scrutiny body responsible for:

• Handling complaints
• Conducting audits of diocesan and cathedral safeguarding
• Accrediting safeguarding professionals

Conclusion

The Church of England seeks to regain public trust through significant reforms. The upcoming decision by the General Synod will determine the extent of external oversight in safeguarding practices, with the aim of ensuring better protection for its members.

“Church of England to Overhaul Safeguarding System” “Church of England to Overhaul Safeguarding System”