Charity Commission Urges Church of England to Speed Up Safeguarding Reforms

The Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council faces increasing pressure to enhance its safeguarding measures with urgency. The Charity Commission has issued a stern directive, urging the Council to expedite its reforms following persistent concerns over safeguarding practices.

According to the Regulatory Action Plan, the Archbishops’ Council is expected to adopt “bigger, bolder steps” in its approach, drawing on insights from victims and survivors to shape its actions. The Commission has set a deadline of 18 months for implementing independent safeguarding structures, as ratified by the General Synod in February.

While the Archbishops’ Council is a key institution within the Church of England, tasked with coordinating the Church’s mission, recent reviews have exposed significant gaps in its handling of complaints and safeguarding issues. These reviews, led by experts like Sarah Wilkinson, Professor Alexis Jay, and Keith Makin, have highlighted the urgent need for reform.

The Commission has not found evidence of misconduct by the Council’s trustees but emphasized that progress has been insufficient. The existing approach is criticized as “fragmented and overly complex,” with plans extending to 2028, lagging behind recommendations from the Jay Review by four years.

Further concerns were raised about the current policy of not treating abuse allegations by adults who are not categorized as “vulnerable” as safeguarding issues. The Commission’s guidance mandates that trustees must ensure the safety of everyone interacting with their charity.

The Archbishops’ Council is also tasked with engaging with victims and survivors in a structured and sensitive manner to support timely improvements in safeguarding practices.

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, remarked, “It’s time for the Archbishops’ Council and the Church of England to move from review to reform, and from debate to delivery.” He emphasized the need for the Council to make significant, informed strides in its safeguarding journey.

In response, the Archbishops’ Council acknowledged the value of the review and reiterated its dedication to addressing the recommendations swiftly. “Our priority in all our work remains to respond well to victims and survivors,” the Council stated, emphasizing their commitment to continuous improvement.

The Council plans to present detailed proposals for further safeguarding reforms at the next General Synod, aiming for sustainable and high-quality safeguarding practices across the Church.