Safeguarding Failures: Church of England Charities Criticised Following Bishop’s Resignation
Two charities associated with the Church of England have come under fire for serious lapses in safeguarding practices after the resignation of former Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath. The Charity Commission has stated that both the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance mishandled allegations against Perumbalath, which amounts to mismanagement within the charities’ operations.
Allegations Against John Perumbalath
John Perumbalath, who stepped down from his position a year ago, faced accusations ranging from unwanted physical contact to sexual harassment. Channel 4 News reported that one individual alleged he kissed her without consent and groped her, while another woman claimed he engaged in sexual harassment. Perumbalath has consistently denied these allegations and asserted that he complied fully with any inquiries conducted by the Church’s safeguarding team.
Concerns Raised by the Charity Commission
The Charity Commission identified a significant failure by the Chelmsford charity to report a serious incident concerning these allegations, which had been raised back in January 2023. The commission’s findings indicate that the trustees of the Liverpool charity neglected to follow up on a complaint and failed to act in the charity’s best interests, which included safeguarding the welfare of individuals interacting with the organisation.
The Commission chief executive, David Holdsworth, stated that both charities lacked the necessary protocols to ensure that serious allegations involving a prominent figure received the appropriate scrutiny. Holdsworth expressed the need for both organisations to enhance their safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable individuals effectively.
Responses from Church Officials
The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance has acknowledged its errors and apologised for the shortcomings identified by the Charity Commission. They have indicated that steps are being implemented to strengthen their reporting and governance systems.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, along with the diocesan safeguarding officer, issued a joint statement expressing their disagreement with some of the commission’s findings. They described the commission’s decision to issue a formal warning as “disproportionate” and asserted that their response to the allegations was both prompt and rooted in survivor advocacy.
Background
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safeguarding practices within religious institutions in the UK. The failures identified by the Charity Commission raise important questions about the oversight mechanisms in place to protect individuals, particularly in organisations that serve the community.
As discussions surrounding safeguarding continue, both charities will need to take decisive and effective action to restore public trust and ensure the protection of all individuals who engage with their activities.
Source: Original Article
