The Charity Commission has called on trustees of Church of England charities to prioritize safeguarding reforms, following the Makin Review. With key Synod votes approaching, trustees must ensure processes are fit for purpose to protect those engaging with Church charities.
Introduction
In February 2025, the Church of England’s General Synod will discuss critical safeguarding reforms in response to independent reviews. The Charity Commission, addressing trustees, highlights the urgency for effective safeguarding frameworks following the Makin Review into past failings.
Trustees are urged to act decisively to fulfill legal safeguarding duties.
The Makin Review: What Sparked the Call to Action?
The Makin Review, led by Keith Makin, scrutinized the Church of England’s handling of abuse allegations, particularly those involving the late John Smyth QC. It found severe shortcomings in safeguarding processes, accountability, and response mechanisms.
The findings include:
- Inadequate safeguarding frameworks across Church charities.
- Delayed or ignored responses to abuse allegations.
- Failure to prioritize victim protection and transparency.
These revelations underline the need for systemic change to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability within Church charities.
Charity Commission’s Engagement and Expectations
Active Engagement with Church Authorities
The Charity Commission has stepped up its dialogue with Church leaders and trustees. In January 2025, senior Commission representatives met with the Archbishop of York and other key figures to address concerns. A follow-up letter to General Synod trustees reinforced their responsibilities.
Regulatory Expectations
The Commission expects trustees to:
- Ensure safeguarding processes, training, and procedures meet legal standards.
- Act promptly and effectively on safeguarding concerns.
- Prevent the cover-up of safeguarding issues through robust governance.
David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, emphasized:
“The time for review has passed. Now is the time for action to ensure trustees can fulfill their legal safeguarding duties.”
Synod 2025: Safeguarding Proposals on the Table
The upcoming General Synod will consider legislative reforms and policy updates aimed at addressing gaps identified in the Makin Review.
The proposals include:
- Strengthening trustee accountability within safeguarding frameworks.
- Revising codes of practice to improve abuse prevention.
- Implementing measures to expedite safeguarding responses.
These changes will directly impact the legal responsibilities of Church charity trustees, ensuring compliance with safeguarding obligations.
Trustee Duties: A Legal and Moral Obligation
Trustees have a duty to protect individuals who come into contact with their charities. This involves:
- Reviewing current safeguarding policies and identifying gaps.
- Implementing regular staff and volunteer training programs.
- Ensuring all safeguarding concerns are addressed transparently and swiftly.
Useful Resources for Trustees
Safeguarding Reforms: Current Challenges at a Glance
| Challenge | Impact on Trustees | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lack of clear safeguarding processes | Difficulty ensuring compliance | New codes of practice to clarify roles |
| Inconsistent training for volunteers | Increased risk of safeguarding gaps | Mandated training for all roles |
| Delays in reporting and responding | Compromised victim safety | Streamlined response protocols |
Takeaways for Church Charity Trustees
- Safeguarding reforms are critical to addressing systemic issues and ensuring accountability.
- Trustees must actively engage with proposals at the February Synod.
- Legal and moral responsibilities require robust governance to protect all individuals.
Keeping Up-To-Date
Stay informed about safeguarding expectations and utilize available resources to prepare for the upcoming General Synod. Trustees hold a pivotal role in shaping reforms that will ensure the safety and integrity of Church charities.
For further guidance, visit Charity Commission Resources.
Sources: THX News & The Charity Commission.
