The Church of England has selected the Bishop of Huddersfield as its new lead bishop on safeguarding. 

Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs said in a statement that he's committed to working closely with the survivor community.

"In particular, I am committed to working closely with the survivor community, to whom we owe a huge debt of thanks for their courage, integrity and willingness to hold us to account. Safeguarding is about enabling the Church of England to go on becoming a safer, healthier place for all, and it is a sacred responsibility in which every single one of us must share," he said. 

Bishop Jonathan will take over from Rt Rev Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and Wells, who leaves the role at the end of February.

Most Rev Justin Welby Archbishop of Canterbury, said: "We are truly grateful to Bishop Peter who as lead safeguarding bishop, represented the Church at its three IICSA hearings over the past two years as well as leading on the response both to the recommendations and the important calls for change from survivors.

"His commitment to safeguarding and the mission of the Church is exemplary and the House of Bishops has learnt a lot from him."

Bishop Jonathan will work closely with the Bishop of Southampton, Rt Rev Debbie Sellin, who's the deputy lead safeguarding bishop.