Independent Safeguarding: A Church Times Webinar

Wednesday 5 February | 7pm GMT

In 2023, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York asked Professor Alexis Jay to develop proposals for a fully independent structure to provide scrutiny of safeguarding in the Church of England. Her report, published the following year, concluded that not only scrutiny, but operational safeguarding, should be independent, necessitating the creation of two separate charities. The Church’s leadership had “failed to allay suspicions and belief that the underlying intention of the Church is to retain control of safeguarding inside the Church, and to protect its reputation,” Professor Jay observed. The Church’s approach to safeguarding was “not compatible with best practices” and “far-reaching change” was required. Since publication of the report, further safeguarding scandals have gained nationwide attention, including the case of John Smyth, described in the Makin Review as “arguably, the most prolific serial abuser to be associated with the Church of England”, and the Scolding Review of Mike Pilavachi, which diagnosed a “wholesale” failure of organisational culture at Soul Survivor. Last year, the lead safeguarding bishop, Dr Joanne Grenfell told General Synod: “We have failed – over many years, decades, centuries – to welcome and protect people who needed the Church. We have turned people away from the Gospel of the love and hope we have in Christ and become those of whom Jesus said should have a millstone around our necks.”

But while there is widespread demand for action to prevent further failings, opinion on taking up Professor Jay’s recommendations remains divided. General Synod was told in July that while there was “much support” for independent scrutiny, independent operations commanded much less support within the Church. Research suggests that, while most survivors and their advocates, and most parish representatives are in favour of an organisation responsible for operational safeguarding, feeling that it “improves independence, consistency and professionalism”, most safeguarding professionals, senior clergy and people in Church governance roles are against such an approach, citing “negative impacts on current relationships and culture within the Church, and noting that this model is untested”.

In February, members of General Synod will gather again to discuss the way forward. The task before them is a weighty one, with the debate taking place against a backdrop of widespread horror at the Church’s record to date. The debacle of the Independent Safeguarding Board – dismantled two years after its creation – serves as a painful reminder of previous failures to reform.

On Wednesday 5 February 2025 at 7pm, the Church Times will host a webinar to discuss the right way forward, in response to Professor Jay’s recommendations. Our panel will offer a range of opinions on operational independence, including a survivor perspective. We hope that you will join us to learn more about the arguments, on the eve of a major decision set to shape the culture of the Church for years to come.

Panel

Jane Chevous, co-founder, Survivors Voices

Colin Perkins, diocesan safeguarding adviser, diocese of Chichester

David Greenwood, Solicitor and has a national reputation for work around child sexual exploitation

Jim Gamble, INEQE Safeguarding Group

Chaired by Madeleine Davies of the Church Times

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