The Church of England’s National Redress Scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse

The Church of England are currently working to put in place a National Redress Scheme, to provide financial redress, apologies, acknowledgments of wrongdoing and emotional, therapeutic and spiritual support to survivors of Church-related abuse.

A Redress Survivor Working Group has been set up to consider the design of the Scheme, with the group including individuals who have experienced Church-related abuse and with some of the group sitting on the Redress Project Board, who are overseeing the development of the Scheme. It is expected that the Scheme will be open for applicants by the end of 2024, and any survivors of Church-related abuse are being encouraged to apply to be included on the Scheme.

Bishop Philip Mounstephen of Winchester, who is the Chair of the Redress Project Board has commented; 

“The recommended financial awards framework, developed with guidance and input from survivors and external experts, aims to address the range of suffering experienced, offering financial redress in a clear and transparent manner.”

“No amount of money can ever undo the past. Our hope, nonetheless, is that this could be a significant step both towards the acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and, however incompletely, towards helping rebuild lives.”

Once the Scheme is approved, it is proposed the applicants, if eligible, would receive individual awards of between £5,000 and £660,000.

The proposed framework for financial redress is expected to have 4 stages as follows:

1. Category of Abuse
2. Aggravating Factors
3. Impact of Abuse
4. A discretionary 20% on the cumulative sum of stages 1-3

£150 million of funding from the Church Commissioners has been allocated to the Scheme, with the Redress Project Board recommending the Church body responsible or being closest in terms of governance in relation to an individual case, to be invited to make a voluntary financial contribution towards each award made.

Whilst The Church of England’s National Redress Scheme is not yet open for applications, Jordans Solicitors have a proven track record of acting for many survivors of historic abuse, involving numerous institutions including The Church Of England.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have experienced Church-related abuse or any other physical or sexual abuse and you would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.