Safeguarding - the Archbishop's Council and the Charity Commission

The Charity Commission has today published a press release about its engagement with the Archbishops' Council and its conclusions.  

The Commission has decided there is insufficient urgency and pace in implementing safeguarding reviews. The Commission’s intervention is not punitive, but it is pointed: safeguarding must be prioritised, not postponed.

What stands out in the Commission’s statement is its emphasis on independence. The call for structures that are not only operationally separate but perceived as impartial is crucial. In any institution, safeguarding must be seen to serve those at risk - not the organisation itself. This is particularly important in faith contexts, where pastoral care and institutional loyalty can sometimes blur boundaries.

The Commission also highlights a gap in current practice: allegations from adults who do not meet the statutory definition of “vulnerable” are not always treated as safeguarding concerns. This raises important questions about how vulnerability is understood. Safeguarding frameworks must be responsive to context, not constrained by categories. Everyone deserves to be heard and protected, regardless of how their vulnerability is defined.

This is a moment for the Church to show that it can be both reflective and responsive. The path ahead may be complex, but the direction is clear: safeguarding must be swift, independent, and above all, compassionate.