Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Lewell Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Emma Lewell (South Shields) (Lab)]

10. What recent steps the Church of England has taken to establish an independent safeguarding system.

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Sir Alan Campbell)]

In October 2026, the Archbishops’ Council approved a detailed operating model for independent safeguarding structures in the Church of England, following seven months of development by the safeguarding structures reform programme.

[Emma Lewell]

It is now over three years since Professor Alexis Jay’s recommendations for a fully independent safeguarding system in the Church. I understand that the legislation to enact that is not due until 2028. Can my right hon. Friend say what can be done to accelerate that process, as any system that lacks full independence is not one that can claim it is adequately meeting its safeguarding requirements?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As usual, my hon. Friend makes a powerful point on behalf of the community that she serves. Further details about the new model of safeguarding structures will be published shortly. The new model provides for the establishment of an independent safeguarding authority governed by a majority independent board of trustees with responsibility for safeguarding policy, risk assessment, audit, inspection and national casework operations. Implementation is under way, including the national roll-out of a complaints process and recruitment to the adjudicator role. The transition of functions to the new structures is expected to be substantially complete by 2027. I will ask the Second Church Estates Commissioner to write to my hon. Friend with more details.