Church of England Accepts Most Makin Review Safeguarding Recommendations

The Church of England is facing scrutiny as it releases the final report based on the recommendations from the Makin Review. The review, initially published in late 2024, scrutinized the institution’s handling of abuse allegations against John Smyth, who passed away in 2018. The report revealed that the abuse spanned decades and occurred in both Britain and Africa.

The Makin Review highlighted that the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, did not take adequate actions upon learning about these allegations. This resulted in Welby’s resignation, during which he acknowledged his personal shortcomings in ensuring a thorough investigation. Despite this, Welby has challenged some of Makin’s conclusions, asserting that the allegations were indeed reported to the authorities and that the police had advised against an independent Church investigation to avoid interfering with their inquiries. More details can be found here.

The Church has agreed to fully implement 24 out of the 27 recommendations provided by the Independent Lessons Learned Review, with partial acceptance of the remaining three. The report acknowledges substantial progress, including the introduction of mandatory Safeguarding Codes of Practice, more stringent clergy disciplinary measures, independent safeguarding audits, enhanced whistleblower protections, and clearer reporting procedures for safeguarding issues to statutory authorities.

Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly in managing safeguarding in international contexts. Additionally, the Church is urged to improve its support for abuse survivors.

In his introduction to the report, the Rt Rev Robert Springett, lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England, expressed, “This report is, first and foremost, about people – all who have experienced abuse within the Church of England. We write with humility, and with a complete and unreserved belief in those who have come forward.”

He emphasized the necessity for safeguarding to be prioritized over institutional loyalty, stating, “Ultimately, what is needed is culture change: deep, sustained, and reaching to every level of the Church, from its national structures to every parish.”