Salisbury Bishop apology for poor handling of Church safeguarding

A new report has highlighted 59 new safeguarding cases in the Salisbury Diocese as part of a national investigation into seven dioceses nationwide.

Local concern was so widespread that the diocese received 504 submissions of current and historical safeguarding concerns from its parishes. This uncovered one previously unknown case of historic sexual assault against several young females by a now-deceased youth leader.

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Rt Revd Stephen Lake spoke about the failings of the diocese following publication of the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) on Wednesday, October 5. 

He said: “The Diocese of Salisbury acknowledges that their handling of past safeguarding cases has, on occasion, not always been as effective as it should have been.

“This is a regret, and the diocese apologises for any pain it may have caused to victims, survivors, and all those involved.”

The national report into safeguarding within the Church was accompanied by local inspections.

Rt Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury by Zach Culpin (Image: Zach Culpin)

Salisbury Diocese was among seven dioceses that were required to repeat the original Past Cases Review due to “some serious shortcomings in the implementation”.

One sexual violence advisor and two safeguarding advisors have since been appointed at the Diocese of Salisbury. At the time of the review there was only one full time equivalent member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Of the 59 new entries placed on the Diocesan Known Cases list, 49 were cases of children and young persons, eight were cases of adults at risk, and two were cases of domestic abuse.

In May 2007, the House of Bishops decided on the need for a national review of past cases of child abuse after several clergy and church officers were charged with committing sexual offences against children.

The first PCR concluded in 2009, however, in 2015 concerns about how well it had been conducted were expressed to the newly appointed National Safeguarding Advisor.
The new review began in April 2019 and 402 files of clergy, lay staff and ministry, and volunteers were examined.

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Bishop Stephen Lake said he is “determined to continue work to ensure the church is a safe place for all”.

He added: “It is good that PCR2 is now completed, and I am grateful for the patience of victims and survivors of abuse.”

Every file held at South Canonry, Church House, Sarum College, Salisbury Cathedral, the Diocesan Educational Centre, and Wyndham house was assessed, alongside electronic files.

Reviewers say the atmosphere within the Diocese was “one of openness and complete transparency” with files safely secured.

The Past Cases Review 2 full report and executive summary, including a full list of recommendations, is available on the Diocese of Salisbury website.