Safeguarding

Protocols and practice guidance for the Church of England’s Past Cases Review 2, (PCR2) have been published and are on the National Church of England Website. churchofengland.org/ safeguarding/promoting-safer-church/safeguarding-news-statements/past-cases-review-2 Individual survivors who wish to make representations to the PCR2 process in the Diocese or who need to come forward with information or make any disclosures regarding church related abuse are encouraged to make direct contact with  the Safeguarding Team 01332 388678. However, recognising that this may not feel safe for those with experience of abuse from within the church, a dedicated national helpline – 0800 80 20 20 – operated independently from the church, by the NSPCC, was set up in September 2019 and remains available.

Survivors and victims can use the helpline to provide information or to raise concerns regarding abuse within the Church of England context; whether they are reporting issues relating to children, adults or seeking to whistle blow about poor safeguarding practice. Survivors were not invited to contribute to the 2007-2009 PCR and the Church has wanted to ensure a different, trauma informed approach is taken by PCR2.  Listening to survivor voices has helped to shape how this review will be conducted.