The Church of England has published the Makin Report, also known as the John Smyth Review (click here).
This Report examines the Church’s response to the abuse perpetrated by John Smyth and reveals the significant lessons for strengthening safeguarding practices across all levels of our Church. The Makin Report underscores the urgent need for a vigilant safeguarding culture, emphasising thorough reporting, oversight, and trauma-informed support for victims.
The Diocese of Ely is committed to fully reviewing and implementing all recommendations to ensure the safety and care of all individuals within our church communities.
The Diocese of Ely and its parishes take the safety and wellbeing of its staff, volunteers and congregation extremely seriously and follow Church of England Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance designed to protect our most vulnerable people.
Finding Support
- If you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by the publication of this Report and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
- You can contact the National Safeguarding Team by email at safeguarding@churchofengland.org and find further sources of support on the Church of England website here.
- If anyone has any information or concerns relating to the safety of children, young people or vulnerable adults within the church environment or the wider community they should please share them without delay with the relevant Church or Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, the Police or the relevant Local Authority Social Care Department. Further details on these organisations can be found on the Diocese of Ely’s Safeguarding webpages here - https://www.elydiocese.org/safeguarding/helplines-and-contact-numbers/