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World News

Charity Commission calls for stronger safeguarding ahead of General Synod vote

by Kelly Valencia

The Charity Commission is urging the Church of England to improve its safeguarding practices ahead of key discussions at the General Synod.

The Commission is engaging with the denomination following the publication of the Makin Review, which examined how the Church handled abuse allegations against the late John Smyth QC, now known as the "most prolific abuser" known to the Church of England.

Next week, the church's legislative body will consider proposals on whether to hand over the church's safeguarding responsibilities to an independent body. While the Commission doesn't regulate the Synod itself, the decisions made there affect the church's charities. The Commission has already met with senior Church representatives, including the Archbishop of York, to discuss the way forward.

The Commission has written to members of the Synod who are also trustees of Church charities, reminding them of their legal responsibilities. The letter stresses the importance of having proper safeguarding procedures in place to protect people who come into contact with Church charities.

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, said: "The Makin Review underlined concerns about the sufficiency of changes made by the Church of England in implementing improvements to safeguarding. 

"The Commission has been in active dialogue with national Church bodies to monitor their response to the Makin Review. As part of that engagement, we have made clear that safeguarding related matters to be considered at the forthcoming General Synod must fully address any structures or processes which may prevent trustees of charities within the Church from fulfilling their legal safeguarding duties. 

"We have made clear the time for review has passed, and now is the time for action. We have also made clear our regulatory expectations that the necessary changes must be implemented as soon as possible, with the Church using its legal powers if needed to expedite the action required."

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