Past Cases Review 2
On this page you will find:
- An introduction to Past Cases Review 2
- The process in Chelmsford Diocese and publicity resources for parishes
- What to do if you have information to disclose
- A thank you to everyone in our parishes who makes effective safeguarding possible
Introduction
In 2007, the Church of England commissioned a Past Cases Review (2007-2009) which sought to look at the Church's handling of safeguarding over many years.
A report in 2018 revealed many shortcomings both in the process and final outcome of this original Past Cases Review and as a result, the Church of England announced that all dioceses must now complete a second review.
The Past Cases Review 2 (PCR2) is part of the Church's ongoing scrutiny of its handling of past and current safeguarding cases.
You can read a detailed background and overview of PCR 2 here.
You can read PCR 2 protocol and practice guidance here.
A Church of England media release on PCR 2 can be read here.
The process in the Diocese of Chelmsford and publicity resources for parishes
Commissioned by the Church of England, the Diocese of Chelmsford is now undertaking a number of steps to implement PCR2. These are the same steps that are being undertaken in every diocese across the country.
In September 2019, the then Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell wrote to every parish asking incumbents, with the support of parish safeguarding representatives, to check that all known cases within their parish, both historic and current had been notified to the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer. Where a case had not been reported they were asked to do so immediately. All parishes were required to respond to this request and the vast majority of parishes have now done so, for which we thank you.
From 19 July 2021, a team of independent reviewers will look at every:
- safeguarding file, past and present
- file relating to church officers, both lay and ordained, past and present
During that process, should any issues arise that require action, they will be dealt with at the time. At the end of the process, the reviewers will write a report for the Diocese and the Church of England.
As well as responding to the request that was sent out in Bishop Stephen's letter in October, we encourage all parishes to publicise Past Case Review 2 in their own communications. This will be important as we seek to encourage people to come forward where they have information to disclose. The resources below have been produced to help you do this.
What to do if you have information to disclose
Individuals who wish to make representations to the PCR2 process, who need to come forward with relevant information or want to make to any safeguarding disclosures regarding church-related abuse are encouraged to make direct contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
However, recognising that this may not feel safe for those with a lived experience of abuse from within the Church, a dedicated telephone helpline - 0800 80 20 20 - operated independently from the Church by the NSPCC, has been set up.
A thank you
We are very grateful for the understanding and cooperation of everyone in our parishes in undertaking this essential work to help ensure that our churches are a safer place for everyone.
For more information please contact Communications
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