Charity Commission Issues Warnings to Diocesan Boards Over Safeguarding Failures
The Charity Commission has taken significant regulatory action against two Diocesan boards in England for their inadequate management of safeguarding allegations. The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance have received Official Warnings, highlighting failures to adhere to safeguarding guidelines in their responsibilities as trustee bodies.
Definition and Importance of Safeguarding
Safeguarding, as defined by the Commission, involves taking reasonable measures to protect individuals, particularly vulnerable ones, from harm when engaging with charities. The importance of robust safeguarding practices is pivotal not only for the welfare of individuals but also for maintaining the integrity of charitable institutions.
Background
Concerns regarding safeguarding were first reported to the Charity Commission in January 2025, stemming from various sources including media coverage. The allegations involved the former Bishop of Liverpool and his interactions with two adults. Following the emergence of these claims, the bishop resigned while asserting his innocence.
Commission’s Findings
Upon examining the practices of both Diocesan boards, the Charity Commission discovered that proper procedures were not in place to handle the allegations adequately. The trustees lacked the necessary oversight and failed to act, limiting their ability to assess risks and make informed decisions regarding the allegations. Consequently, the failures were deemed as mismanagement of charity administration.
The Commission noted that the deficiencies meant that trustees were unable to report the serious incidents in a timely manner, further escalating the issue as reports surfaced in early 2025 after media attention increased. This delay in action underscores a critical gap in safeguarding within these charitable organizations.
Next Steps for Diocesan Boards
The Official Warnings stipulate that both Diocesan boards must enhance their understanding of safeguarding practices as set out by the Commission. The trustees must implement comprehensive policies for reporting safeguarding matters, ensuring timely communication of serious incidents to the Charity Commission in the future. Additionally, progress updates on corrective actions will be required from both charities.
Broader Implications for Charities
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for diligent safeguarding protocols across all charitable organizations in the UK, especially for those associated with faith. The Commission stressed that all trustees should be well-versed in safeguarding responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of proper training and effective reporting channels to ensure comprehensive oversight of safeguarding concerns.
Commitment to Improvement
David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, highlighted the essential role that churches and cathedrals play within communities. He underscored the need for trustees to challenge inappropriate behaviours and maintain oversight on the actions of individuals in positions of influence. The objective is to foster a safer environment for all individuals engaging with charities.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulator-issues-official-warnings-to-two-church-of-england-dioceses
