Following the publication of the Charity Commission case review on safeguarding improvements, a spokesperson for the Archbishops’ Council said:

“The Archbishops’ Council welcomes the findings of the Charity Commission’s case review published today, which provides valuable clarity to support ongoing improvements in our work. We are committed to acting on these recommendations as swiftly as possible.

“We are reassured by the Commission’s finding of no evidence of mismanagement or misconduct and that the Commission recognises the charity has made progress and delivered positive changes in safeguarding practice in recent years. Our priority in all our work remains to respond well to victims and survivors. This commitment is vitally important to us all and continues to shape every aspect of our safeguarding work.

“As part of our commitment to continually improve the quality of safeguarding we are immediately focused on building on the work undertaken over the past decade, which has included the introduction of independent safeguarding audits, comprehensive safeguarding training for all who work in the Church whether paid or voluntary, and ensuring Church bodies have safe and healthy cultures, as well as resourcing and scrutiny arrangements necessary to deliver high-quality safeguarding practices and outcomes. The Archbishops’ Council is committed to working at pace to enable the implementation of further safeguarding reforms, particularly in governance, with detailed proposals to be brought to the next General Synod to ensure sustainable and long-lasting best practice.

“The Archbishops’ Council recognises its responsibility to safeguard individuals who engage with its work, particularly in cases referred to the National Safeguarding Team under established codes of practice. It also ensures partner organisations have appropriate safeguarding measures in place and supports national oversight through audits and statutory guidance. We will continue to use the INEQE Safeguarding Group’s Annual Report, part of our independent scrutiny function, to inform our safeguarding work.”