Diocesan Policies, Guidance, Reviews and Reports Overview

The sections below provide information on various Diocesan Policies, Guidance, Support, Reviews and Reports aimed at supporting our church communities and supporting victims of abuse within our church communities.

Diocese of Ely Safeguarding Policies

The links below direct you to a number of Diocese of Ely Safeguarding Policies.

Safeguarding Complaints Procedure 2022
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel Terms of Reference
Diocese of Ely Domestic Abuse Policy Statement 2017
EDBF Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure - (directing you to the EDBF website policies page)
Parish Violence and Aggression Policy Mar 2023 v1

National Safeguarding Team News and Statements

Read safeguarding news and statements from the National Safeguarding Team (click here)

Further information is available via the pages linked below.

Diocese of Ely Safeguarding Newsletters and Annual Reports

The Diocese of Ely Safeguarding team produce periodic newsletters providing guidance, news and support on a variety of areas, it also provides Annual Reports on Safeguarding work in the Diocese. This page links to those newsletters and reports.

Diocese of Ely: Review of Responding to and Supporting Survivors and Victims

The Diocese is keen to demonstrate continuous improvement and development and has, through the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), decided to undertake a review of the identification and support afforded to victims and survivors. Thirtyone:eight were commissioned to undertake this review with independence. Thirtyone:eight were particularly interested in speaking to those who have experienced survivor care through the Diocese of Ely in order to inform the review. More can be found on this page.

Past Cases Review (PCR) and Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2)

Due to concerns over the robustness of the first PCR, the Diocese of Ely was asked to under a repeat of that review at the time that all Dioceses were also asked to undertake the Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2). Dioceses were asked to complete PCR2 throughout 2019-2020. The Diocese of Ely welcomed the PCR2 requirements as it had a revised and extended scope which included a focus on safeguarding adults, which was a significant gap in the scope of the first PCR. This page summarises the findings on this and the national PCR2 Report.

William Scott Farrell - Lessons Learnt Review

26 May 2022: Publication of the independent lessons learnt review of the recruitment and appointment of William Scott Farrell

Church of England Lessons Learnt Reviews

House of Bishops guidance states that once all matters relating to a safeguarding concern or allegation against a church officer have been completed, lessons should be identified and learnt from the case. This page directs visitors to the Church of England Lessons Learnt Reviews that are published on its website.

Publication of the Makin Report (November 2024)

The Church of England published the Makin Report, also known as the John Smyth Review, in November 2024. 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. Further information is available on this page.