Background – Past Case Review (PCR 1)
In May 2007, the House of Bishops recognised the need for a review of past cases of child abuse. This became known as Past Cases Review (PCR 1) 2007- 2009. In 2015 concerns were raised with the newly appointed National Safeguarding Advisor about how well the PCR had been conducted and a review was conducted by an Independent Scrutiny Team (IST) all of whom had extensive safeguarding experience.
Recommendations were made to address the shortcomings found and were accepted by the Archbishops Council and Past Case Review 2 (PCR 2) was designed to enable dioceses to take a proactive approach to identifying cases of concern and to evaluating safeguarding responses. This review was to include a review into the handling of both adults and child safeguarding concerns.
Past Case Review 2 (PCR 2) – the Diocese of Bristol
PCR 2 was undertaken in the Diocese of Bristol from late September 2020 with completion in early December 2021. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, flexible working was required, and the independent reviewer found the Bishop's Office staff to be proactive and innovative.
The objectives for the review centred around all known safeguarding cases for both children and adults and included the needs of the victims, risk identification, management, risk mitigation and prevention.
These objectives included considering domestic abuse, management, referral to statutory services where appropriate, and identification of any new cases not previously referred to the Diocese Safeguarding Advisor (DSA).
Yesterday, (5 October 2022). the Church of England published their national report. Please find our full Executive Summary for Past Case Review (PCR2) here.
Statement from Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
Rt Reverend Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol said, "Safeguarding is of the utmost importance to us at the Diocese of Bristol and we strongly welcome this second past case review and the national report which has been published by the Church of England.
“We will not tolerate any form of abuse and will continue to work with the appropriate statutory authorities to fully investigate any allegations that we receive and ensure that the appropriate action is taken.
"We are determined to ensure that our church communities are safe and welcoming places for all, with Christ at their centre and will continue to create places and spaces where all are safe and protected from abuse, all can be healed, and all can live life to the full.
"We will also ensure that we provide effective safeguarding training, support, advice and policies so that the well-being of children, young people and vulnerable adults is enhanced, and every person has the opportunity to flourish in our church communities.
“We are glad that the strong Diocesan Safeguarding team and Diocesan safeguarding culture have been recognised, along with our practice of prompt referral to the Diocese Safeguarding Advisor, communication with multi-agency bodies and our support to victims and survivors.
“However, we must not become complacent. There are in this diocese victims and survivors from past cases who continue to live with the terrible impact of abuse. In order to strengthen our work, the independent reviewer has set out areas for development and improvement. An implementation plan for these is now in place which will be overseen by the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group under its independent chair.”
Please find more information about safeguarding here.