Church of England redress scheme delay following Makin Report

The Church of England has released an important update regarding its Redress Scheme, which is being designed to provide support and compensation to survivors of abuse within the Church.

Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a delay to when the scheme will open and when cases can start being put forward. However, if you have been a victim of abuse within the Church of England, do not hesitate to contact AbuseClaims.co.uk today.

Although the scheme is not yet open, we can provide you with updates and prepare your case to act promptly when the scheme does open.

AbuseClaims.co.uk has a team of experienced solicitors who specialise in claims of this nature and are happy to offer a free initial consultation to advise on your situation. We also operate on a no-win no-fee basis so you will not pay a penny unless your claim is successful.

Molly Frost, Abuse Claims Solicitor said:

“It is a shame that the opening of the scheme appears to have been delayed. Many survivors have been waiting many years for redress and recognition .

“It will be interesting to see if and how the Church of England amend the eligibility to take into account the wider issues highlighted in the Makin Report.”

Below we break down what this means for the scheme, and what victims of abuse within the church should do next.

What is the Church of England Redress Scheme?

The Church of England Redress Scheme is being established to address the harm suffered by individuals who experienced abuse within the Church.

This initiative follows recommendations and criticisms raised by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which highlighted the need for stronger measures to support survivors and prevent future failings.

Updates to the Redress Scheme

The latest update states that the Redress Project Board, which includes input from survivors, is now revisiting the scheme’s framework in light of the findings of the Makin Report. Published in November 2024, the Makin Report examined the Church’s handling of abuse allegations and has prompted further reflection on the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

In particular, the board is reassessing whether the scheme adequately addresses cases where Church office-holders failed to act appropriately on safeguarding disclosures or allegations. This reassessment aims to ensure that negligence in handling abuse claims is properly recognised within the redress process.

According to the Church’s update, the earliest the Redress (Abuse) Measure is expected to be presented to the General Synod is July 2025.

Church of England Redress Scheme update in full:

Below is the full update published by the Church of England this week:

“The legislation to introduce the Redress Scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse will not be laid before General Synod for final approval in February, as previously scheduled, so that final checks can be carried out to ensure its eligibility criteria are robust enough in light of the Makin report.

“The Scheme infrastructure is now in place and the Scheme is ready to receive applications once legislation is complete, following an enormous amount of work by survivors and others over the last three years.

“However, the Church of England is deeply committed to developing a robust and effective Redress Scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse.

“So the Redress Project Board, which is advised by survivors, has decided to reflect further on the findings of the Makin report and to consider whether the Scheme’s eligibility criteria sufficiently recognise negligence of Church office-holders who have received a safeguarding allegation or disclosure and have not responded appropriately.

“This is a serious and important question, and the Redress Project Board will consider carefully the implications of recognising this more fully through the Scheme’s eligibility criteria.

“This work requires very thorough analysis before the Project Board can decide whether or not it wishes to make any amendments to the current eligibility criteria and is not a guarantee that new or different policy decisions will be taken.

“The Survivor Working Group will continue to play a vital role in shaping the Scheme, providing expert advice and guidance, and two Survivor Working Group representatives will continue to hold voting positions on the Project Board.

“The legislation that will underpin the Scheme requires successful passage through the Church and parliamentary legislative processes before the Scheme can open to applications. The earliest that the Redress (Abuse) Measure would be laid before General Synod is July 2025.”

What is the Makin Report?

The Makin Report is an independent review commissioned by the Church of England to investigate its handling of abuse allegations against John Smyth QC, a barrister and prominent figure in Christian circles. Smyth was found to have inflicted severe abuse on numerous boys and young men during the 1970s and 1980s in the UK and Africa.

The report, published in November 2024 uncovered systemic failures within the Church, including its inadequate response to abuse disclosures and an “active cover-up” of Smyth’s actions.

These failings allowed Smyth to continue his abusive behaviour unchecked for decades. The report criticised the Church’s prioritisation of institutional reputation over the welfare of survivors and emphasised the need for accountability and reparations.

Now the Church of England’s Redress Scheme is establishing if the proposed criteria for these claims is adequate based on the findings of the report.

When will the scheme open?

According to the recent update, the scheme will not be open until at least July 2025, however if you submit an enquiry with us we will provide updates and start preparing your case.

How can I claim if the scheme isn’t open yet?

Although the Church of England’s Redress Scheme is still under development, it’s important to act now if you believe you may be eligible for compensation. At Abuse Claims, we can help you prepare your case so that when the scheme opens, your application can be submitted promptly.

Our experienced solicitors can also provide advice on alternative routes to compensation, including claims outside the scheme.

Can I claim If my abuse happened outside the Church of England?

The Redress Scheme will specifically address cases of abuse within the Anglican Church.

However, if you have experienced abuse within another religious institution or setting, you may still be eligible to make a claim. Our specialist team can advise you on your options and guide you through the claims process.

Why choose Abuse Claims?

At Abuse Claims, our team of expert solicitors is dedicated to helping survivors of abuse secure justice and fair compensation.

Our experienced legal team has extensive knowledge of handling sensitive abuse cases. We work on a no-win no-fee basis so you won’t pay a penny unless your claim is successful.

How to make a claim?

If you have suffered abuse within the Church of England or any other religious institution, contact our specialist team for a free initial consultation. We are here to listen, advise, and support you in taking the next steps towards justice and compensation.