On 6 January 2025, the Archbishop of York issued an Ad Clerum to the clergy, lay ministers and people of the Church of England[*]; some of the extracts relating to safeguarding are reproduced below. The document notes:

“the events of recent weeks, particularly the publication of the Makin Review, have sometimes felt as though we have been separated from the light and hope of Christ. Reading reports of abuse, cover-ups, and institutional failure, we are confronted with a darkness that has harmed so many. To those who have been hurt, I offer my deepest apologies.

These painful reports serve as a stark reminder that victims and survivors are asking for – and deserve – more than words of lament. They call us to action”.

Against the significant progress that had been made, he further commented:

“…there is still more to do in order for us to become a safer and more  accountable church, and for our processes to be trusted. Whether it is my decisions that are called into question or anyone’s within the church, our safeguarding practices must be subject to independent oversight and scrutiny.

Consequently, the House of Bishops, the Archbishops’ Council and the other relevant National Church Institutions are committed to leading this change and are working with the lead bishop for safeguarding and others on several key initiatives, including:

• Bringing forward new proposals on independent safeguarding to the General Synod in February. This would include models for independent oversight, scrutiny, audit, and complaints, as well as for day-to-day operational safeguarding.
• Seeking final approval in February for new clergy conduct measures that will strengthen the Church’s disciplinary provisions.
• Ensuring the Church’s National Safeguarding Team continues its work alongside Safe Spaces to provide support for anyone wishing to raise safeguarding concerns, while also managing the process for addressing issues raised in recent reports.
• Reviewing the recommendations of recent reviews through the National Safeguarding Steering Group and implementing them with guidance from the independently chaired National Safeguarding Panel.
• Finalising the provisions of the forthcoming Redress Scheme so as to express in tangible ways the Church’s heartfelt sorrow and shame for the abuse survivors have suffered.

I want to reach out to all people of goodwill, and especially those who have been consistently and courageously advocating for change in the Church of England and invite support for these proposals.”

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[*] Archbishop Cottrell’s Ad Clerum has also been posted as Epiphany letter to clergy, lay ministers and people of the Church of England