This week the General Synod of the Church of England gathered in London. The General Synod considers and approves legislation affecting the whole of the Church of England. It formulates new forms of worship, debates matters of national and international importance, and approves the annual budget for the work of the Church at a national level.
On Tuesday most of the day was given to a debate on the future of safeguarding in the Church of England. The debate was lengthy and complex, but also important, because it not only affects the future of the Church of England but has the potential to impact other churches and denominations too.
We hope this blog will help you to understand the timeline of events and the decision Synod made on Tuesday.
This blog shows the timeline of events over the last couple of years. With the most recent events at the top.
11th February 2025 – Synod debates two models
Synod considered and debated the two primary models proposed by the Safeguarding Response Group, to improve independence and effectiveness of safeguarding in the Church of England. These are known as ‘model 3’ and ‘model 4’.
What are models 3 and 4?
Model 3: This model proposed the establishment of an external scrutiny body likely on a statutory basis to oversee safeguarding audit, review and inspection of dioceses and cathedrals. This body would monitor and manage safeguarding standards, be given powers to regulate compliance and offer independent final-stage complaints management. The diocesan and cathedral safeguarding teams would maintain operational safeguarding within the Church of England, whilst most functions currently performed by the National Safeguarding Team (NST), excluding policy development, would be transferred to a new external employer. Diocesan and cathedral safeguarding officers would remain under their current church employment.
Model 4: This more comprehensive model suggested transferring all safeguarding teams, including those in dioceses and cathedrals, to the same external employer as the NST. The aim being to centralise safeguarding operations under an independent body to ensure consistency and reduce potential conflicts of interest.
Synod's Decision:
After extensive debate, the Synod approved a motion (amended) that endorses ‘Model 3' first while doing further work on ‘Model 4’.
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 are 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 for the harm they have experienced and continue to experience in the life of the Church.
January 2025: SRG submits proposals
The Safeguarding Response Group (SRG) submitted their proposals for Option 3 and Option 4 for internal review.
November 2024: Models 3 and 4
The Safeguarding Response Group (SRG) analysed the feasibility assessments, and advised the Lead Bishop to undertake more detailed analysis of models 3 and 4, which had been developed from July 2024.
July 2024: Four models considered
Synod voted for the Safeguarding Response Group to evaluate four models for organisational structures of safeguarding independence. The Response Group oversaw a feasibility assessment of the four models, studying the models carefully, considering HR, data protection, legal factors, (among others), and input from victims and survivors, safeguarding professionals, Synod members and others.
April 2024: Independent co-chair for the Safeguarding Response Group appointed
Lesley-Ann Ryder is appointed as an independent Co-Chair to the Safeguarding Response Group.
February 2024: The Jay Report
Professor Alexis Jay publishes her report on the Future of Safeguarding in the Church of England.
January 2024: New Safeguarding Response Group
In the absence of the previous Independent Safeguarding Board the Church of England established a new Safeguarding Response Group to examine both the published Wilkinson report and forthcoming Jay report.
December 2023: The Wilkinson Report
Sarah Wilkinson publishes her independent review into the Church’s Independent Safeguarding Board
You might also be interested in:
Thirtyone:eight statement on the Future of Church Safeguarding report