Church of England synod votes on next steps for independent safeguarding

[Church of England] General Synod on Feb. 11 debated and voted on two proposed models (labelled 3 and 4) for independent safeguarding in the Church of England.

Members approved a motion (amended) that endorses “Model 3” first, while doing further work on “Model 4” (both models are outlined in the Future of Church Safeguarding Synod paper).

The approved motion includes:

• Setting up an external scrutiny body, which is likely to be on a statutory basis in order to give it “teeth” and so would require legislation.
• Transfer of most functions currently delivered by the National Safeguarding Team (NST) – except policy development – to an external employer, eventually and after all development, consultation and legislative processes complete.
• Further work to determine the legal and practical requirements necessary to implement model 4, which would involve the transfer of safeguarding teams in dioceses and cathedrals to the same external employer as the NST.
• Lament and repent of the failure of the church to be welcoming to victims and survivors and the harm they have experienced and continue to experience in the life of the church.

The original motion from the lead safeguarding bishop, the Rt. Rev. Joanne Grenfell, endorsed Model 4. Speaking after the debate she said, “We have missed the opportunity to say unequivocally to victims and survivors today that we hear their concerns about trust and confidence in the church.

“I am committed to working with where we have got to today continuing to do feasibility around model 4, as well as moving swiftly to set up a statutory body for scrutiny, audits and complaints.”

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said, “I support independence in Safeguarding. I’m disappointed that the church is now going to do that in two stages, but I fully commit myself to work toward implementing synod’s decision and making it happen.”

Bishop Philip North, who brought the amendment to the original motion, said, “Synod has voted almost unanimously for real progress in independence in safeguarding.

“What we’ve got is a strong endorsement of moving immediately to setting up an independent scrutiny body and more work to ensure that operational independence is legally and practically deliverable.

“This gives us a chance to make immediate progress on what we can achieve whilst not slowing down the pace on more fundamental change.”

Additional information and the final motion can be read here.