Work is underway in the Diocese of Chester into Past Case Review 2, a new national past case review into the handling of safeguarding files in the Church.
PCR2 has a key focus of listening to survivors who want to come forward.
PCR2 follows on from an earlier review (PCR) in 2007 and is part of the Church’s ongoing scrutiny of its handling of past and current safeguarding cases.
The Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, announced details of PCR2 in a letter to all parishes on Monday 27 January, in which he outlined what parishes are required to do.
Bishop Keith, who leads on safeguarding in the Diocese of Chester says: “We want to ensure that all of our worshipping communities and church-related activities are as safe as possible for children and vulnerable adults. All dioceses have been asked to undertake and participate in this new review process which is known nationally as PCR2.
“It is important that all known cases of concern about the behaviour of clergy and church officers towards children and vulnerable adults have been considered and dealt with appropriately.”
Listening to survivors
Individuals who wish to make representations to the PCR2 process, or who need to come forward with information or make any disclosures regarding church-related abuse, are encouraged to make direct contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser or call the dedicated telephone helpline - 0800 80 20 20 - operated independently from the Church, by the NSPCC.
All information that is shared as part of PCR2 will be reviewed by an Independent Reviewer and appropriate action will be taken.
All parishes are required to respond to PCR2, which is commissioned by the Church of England and is being carried out in order to make our churches safer for everyone.
Parishes and church leaders can access support materials on the diocesan website to help them respond to the requirements of PCR2. The deadline for submitting information is 28 February.
Further information and support for parishes can be found on the diocesan website here: www.chester.anglican.org/pcr2
The Church of England made this announcement on Monday 27 January.