The Future of Church Safeguarding Report was published on 21 February 2024 from Professor Alexis Jay. The work was commissioned following the termination of the contracts of the original Independent Safeguarding Board, ISB.
Professor Jay is the former Chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
You can read the full report here: Future of Church Safeguarding
The Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Revd Ian Bishop leads on Safeguarding in the Diocese of Norwich. Bishop Ian says:
“Professor Jay has offered an important reflection on the progress made by the Church of England to making our Churches safe places for all. The recommendations in the report will help to create an independent structure that aims to continue to drive the progress that has been made in recent years. I look forward to what happens in the General Synod debate and helping to develop new structures and support networks. The Diocese of Norwich remains utterly committed to ensuring safety for all who work and worship in our Churches and support for those who are victims and survivors of abuse in Churches.”
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have welcomed the publication, which includes an outline of next steps of how the Church responds.
You can read their full statement here: Publication of Jay Review | The Archbishop of Canterbury
The report, which recommends a fully independent safeguarding structure, will initially be considered and debated at the Church of England General Synod this Saturday 24 February, with a presentation from Professor Jay.
Professor Jay also rightly acknowledges the excellent work of experienced and committed Safeguarding Officers and others, but her challenge to us all is how our safeguarding structures and processes reach the highest standard.
In the Diocese of Norwich, both of our Safeguarding Advisers continue to offer their care and support for any victims and survivors of church abuse within Norfolk and Waveney and as ever it falls to every member of our Church community to ensure that our Churches are a safe place for all.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please continue to contact Sue Brice or Peter Sayer who are here to support you.
Email: safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org
Contact: 01603 882345
Address: Safeguarding Team, Bishop’s House, Norwich, NR3 1SB.
Safeguarding information for the Diocese of Norwich: Safeguarding – Diocese of Norwich