The Church of England Abuse Redress Scheme: A Landmark Moment for Survivors

The Church of England reached an important turning point in its response to historic abuse in 2025. After years of consultation, legislative scrutiny and survivor advocacy, its long-awaited Redress Scheme is now underpinned by law. 

The move represents a significant effort to confront past failures and provide meaningful recognition to those who suffered harm within church settings.

The development of the Redress Scheme follows sustained pressure for reform, particularly after findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). The Inquiry exposed serious safeguarding shortcomings across several institutions, including the Church, and recommended the creation of formal redress arrangements for survivors. In response, the Church committed to building a system designed not only to provide financial compensation but also to offer acknowledgment, apology and practical support.

The Redress Scheme has been structured to recognise a broad range of abuse, including sexual, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual harm.  Importantly, it aims to go beyond purely financial settlements. Survivors may receive therapeutic assistance, formal apologies and other forms of personal recognition. This reflects an understanding that healing often requires validation and accountability as much as monetary payment.

The Church of England can pass measures through a legislative process that involves several key steps:

• General Synod Approval: Measures are proposed by the General Synod and require approval before they can be presented to Parliament.
• Parliamentary Approval: Once approved by the General Synod, measures must be laid before both Houses of Parliament for Royal Assent, which is the formal approval by the Sovereign.
• Ecclesiastical Committee: The Ecclesiastical Committee, a joint committee of Parliament, examines the measure and reports on its legal effect before it can be presented to Parliament.
• Royal Assent: If both Houses pass the measure, it becomes part of the law of the land, having the same force and effect as Acts of Parliament. 

This process ensures that the Church of England's legislation is subject to the same legal scrutiny as any other law passed by Parliament.

The legislative process began internally with the Church’s governing body, the General Synod, which gave final approval to the proposed legislation in July 2025. Following parliamentary consideration and approval by the UK Parliament, the legislation completed its journey through the constitutional process.

On 18 December 2025, the Abuse Redress Measure 2025 received Royal Assent, formally becoming law. This marked a historic milestone, giving the Redress Scheme a clear statutory foundation and enabling it to move towards full implementation. With Royal Assent secured, the necessary operational rules and administrative structures can now be finalised so that applications can be processed fairly and independently.

Funding has been allocated to ensure the Redress Scheme can function effectively, and Church leaders have publicly acknowledged the profound harm experienced by survivors. While no redress framework can undo the past, the establishment of a legally recognised scheme signals a commitment to accountability and change.

The Redress Scheme is expected to be launched in 2026, but no specific date has been confirmed yet.

For many survivors, the law’s passage is more than a procedural step. It represents official recognition of suffering that was too often ignored, and a promise that future safeguarding standards must be stronger, clearer and more transparent than before.