The Church of England is very shortly due to publish its National Redress Scheme in detail. Planning for the Scheme began in 2020 after a damning report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, found that the Church had failed to protect children from sexual abuse.
The Church of England has said that its Scheme will be “the broadest and most ambitious compensation scheme of its kind for victims of abuse. “
Financial compensation and redress
The Church’s Redress Scheme will make awards of compensation to survivors of abuse in the Church, as well as therapeutic, spiritual and emotional support and an apology. Both adult and child survivors of abuse will be eligible to make claims.
How many people are likely to make claims?
We believe that thousands of people who have been abused in the Church could make claims. The Church has already allocated £150 million for payouts.
How much will be paid?
As yet, we don’t have the full Scheme, but going by other compensation schemes, awards could range from £5,000 to £150,000.
Will I need to provide evidence for my application to the Redress Scheme?
In our experience of these Schemes, a person’s personal statement about the abuse will be all that is required. The Scheme might require people to disclose their medical records, and there could be scope for an expert report but we don’t think the Church will expect people to have been to the police about their allegations, or show that their abuser has been convicted in a criminal court.
What kinds of abuse will be compensated?
The Church has said in a FAQ statement that “All survivors of sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse, including spiritual abuse, perpetrated by someone representing the Church of England, will be eligible to apply for redress.”
Malcolm Johnson, head of Lime’s Abuse Compensation Department said:
“What is important is that survivors of abuse in the Church of England approach a solicitor as soon as possible and preferably prior to Redress Scheme coming into operation. At Lime Solicitors, we have a dedicated team of lawyers, all of whom are experienced in making faith-based claims.”
Malcolm can be contacted at malcolm.johnson@limesolicitors.co.uk.
