Charity Commission issues official warnings to two dioceses for safeguarding failures

The Charity Commission has issued official warnings to both the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance and the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance, in connection with safeguarding failures. This will be hugely disappointing to all those who hoped that the Church of England was already taking all necessary steps to address its historic failings. 

These warnings demonstrate how seriously the Charity Commission takes the issue, serving as a crucial reminder to all those working in roles within charities (and of course elsewhere) that best practice in safeguarding must be a matter for the whole organization. Protecting those with whom we work from harm should be a priority for us all. Having effective, accessible policies and practices in place is essential, but there must also be sensitive, adequate oversight.

The Charity Commission’s press release is available to read here, which includes an insightful section on ‘wider learning for the sector’.

The Charity Commission is using this case to highlight safeguarding challenges, particularly as they affect faith-based charities. David Holdsworth, Charity Commission CEO, states: “Trustees must be able to effectively challenge the behaviour of powerful individuals, including where that power derives from spiritual leadership.” There is a plethora of guidance available online, including the information available here on the GOV.UK website.

All charities have a responsibility to ensure that they do not cause harm to anyone who has contact with them, and charities working with children or adults at risk have extra responsibilities.

As a trustee, you must make sure your charity fulfils this responsibility. Even if some activities are delegated to a safeguarding lead or group, the trustees retain overall responsibility, so it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that the charity understands what action it should be taking now.