A NEW independent oversight board is expected to be formed to supervise the delivery of the Redress Scheme for survivors of abuse, once the Measure establishing the scheme has received parliamentary approval, a Church House spokesman said this week.
Questions were raised by survivors about oversight in the wake of a serious data breach which had disclosed the email addresses of all those who had registered for updates on the scheme. The law firm responsible for its administration, Kennedys, has taken full responsibility for the breach, which affected almost 200 people (News, 29 August).
“The Terms of Reference for the Redress Board, chaired by Bishop Philip [the Bishop of Winchester, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen], were focused on designing the scheme and preparing the legislation for Synod,” the spokesman said on Monday. “That work has now concluded, which is why the Board itself is no longer active.
“In terms of current oversight, the Archbishops’ Council — as the charitable body that commissioned the Scheme — holds temporary lead responsibility while the legislative framework is being finalised. Once the Measure receives parliamentary approval, a new independent oversight board is expected to be established to supervise the Scheme’s delivery.
“Importantly, Bishop Philip has been clear that moral oversight does not end with the Board’s closure. His continued engagement with survivors reflects a commitment to ensuring that the Church remains accountable and responsive, not only structurally but ethically. We recognise that trust must be earned through action, and we are committed to working with survivors to ensure the Scheme is delivered with integrity, transparency, and care.”
The Church Times understands that further distress has been caused to survivors affected by the breach by the ongoing use of the distribution list by recipients, with some using the “reply to all” function to continue messaging everyone on it. Since the breach, new email addresses have been added to the list.
Others have welcomed the opportunity for dialogue. Reactions have revealed the diversity of viewpoints among survivors, with some expressing frustration at perceived attempts by others to act as representative.