Church of England Dispands Independent Safeguarding Board
Safeguarding, the act of protecting people's health, wellbeing, and human rights, is a crucial aspect of any organisation, especially those dealing with vulnerable individuals.
In religious institutions like the Church of England, safeguarding takes on an even more profound significance. But safeguarding within the Church of England has taken a dramatic turn with the recent disbandment of the Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB).
Established to oversee the Church's safeguarding practices, the ISB has been mired in disputes and disagreements, culminating in the dismissal of two board members and the dissolution of the board itself.
The History of Safeguarding in the Church of England
The Church of England, like many religious institutions, has grappled with historic, but severe, safeguarding failures. Recognising the need for an independent body to oversee its safeguarding practices, the Church established the Independent Safeguarding Board (ISB) in 2021.
This move followed a damning report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which highlighted significant failings in the Church's safeguarding practices.
The Challenges and Controversies
Despite honourable intentions, the ISB's journey has been fraught with disputes and disagreements. Tensions between the Archbishop’s Council and the ISB led to a breakdown in relationships, culminating in the dismissal of two board members, Jasvinder Sanghera and Steve Reeves.
In a statement, the pair claimed that the Church had obstructed and interfered with the ISB's work, undermining its independence and frustrating its efforts to put survivors first.
These allegations were serious enough, but the situation escalated when the Church decided to disband the ISB entirely. This decision was met with shock and dismay, both within and outside the Church.
The Implications and Reactions
The dismissed ISB members have been vocal on social media, expressing their disappointment and concern, while the Church acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. Understandably, this has led to many people questioning the Church’s commitment to safeguarding.
In a statement, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York said:
"We bitterly regret that we have reached this point and the Archbishops' Council has not reached this decision lightly.”
"We know this is a serious setback and we do not shy away from that - we lament it."
For the victims and survivors of abuse, these events have been particularly distressing. The disbandment of the ISB and the dismissal of its members have raised questions about the Church's dedication to safeguarding and its willingness to learn from past mistakes.
The Future of Safeguarding in the Church of England
Despite these challenges, the Church has expressed its commitment to establishing a new independent safeguarding body. This body, it is hoped, will be able to operate without the disputes and disagreements that plagued the ISB.
The Church has also acknowledged the need to learn from this situation. The events surrounding the ISB have highlighted the difficulties of balancing independence with accountability, and the importance of clear communication and strong relationships within safeguarding bodies.
However, the path to a new independent safeguarding body is likely to be challenging.
The Church will need to navigate the complexities of establishing a truly independent body, while also rebuilding trust with the public and, most importantly, with the victims and survivors of abuse.