The Church of England has approved a landmark national redress scheme designed to provide meaningful support, recognition, and compensation to survivors of Church-related abuse. This scheme represents a long-awaited step towards accountability, healing, and justice. Although the scheme has been formally approved, it is not yet open for applications, and many people understandably have questions about what to expect and whether they may be eligible.
This guide breaks down what the scheme is, who can apply, what types of redress are available, and how you can stay updated — including how to check your eligibility today.
What Is the Church of England Redress Scheme?
In July 2025, the Church of England’s General Synod approved legislation to create a comprehensive, survivor-focused redress scheme. The purpose is to acknowledge and respond to the harm experienced by individuals who suffered abuse connected to the Church — whether by clergy, staff, volunteers, or within Church-related settings.
However, although approved, the scheme must still progress through the required parliamentary stages before it becomes fully active. This means the official application process has not yet opened.
The opening date will depend entirely on how quickly the legislation passes through parliament.
What Support Will the Redress Scheme Offer?
Eligible survivors may receive a wide range of support, including:
✔ Financial Redress
Compensation payments recognising the harm suffered and the long-term impact of abuse.
✔ Therapeutic, Emotional and Spiritual Support
Help with counselling, trauma therapy, ongoing mental health needs, and pastoral support.
✔ Formal Acknowledgement of Wrongdoing
A recognition that what happened was wrong and should never have occurred.
✔ An Official Apology from the Church of England
A written or verbal apology acknowledging responsibility and the survivor’s experience.
✔ Other Forms of Bespoke Redress
Tailored support depending on each survivor’s circumstances.
The scheme is intended to be a compassionate, survivor-led process designed to promote healing and justice.
Who Will Be Eligible to Apply?
Eligibility will cover individuals who experienced abuse connected to the Church of England, including:
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Abuse by clergy or Church officers
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Abuse in Church-run institutions
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Abuse during Church activities (youth groups, camps, schools, etc.)
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Abuse that was reported but not handled correctly
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Situations where the Church failed in its duty of care
Eligibility may also extend to certain family members of survivors in specific circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, you can complete a quick online check via our confidential form.
👉 Check your eligibility here:
https://churchofenglandclaim.co.uk/check-your-eligibility-form/
Why Is the Scheme Not Open Yet?
Even though the General Synod approved the legislation in July 2025, it still needs to pass through the necessary parliamentary procedures. This is standard for national schemes of this scale.
Until that process is complete, the administrator cannot legally begin accepting applications.
How to Stay Informed While You Wait
Waiting for the official opening of the scheme may bring up difficult or uncomfortable emotions — frustration, anxiety, or fear of missing out when the portal opens.
To support survivors during this interim period, an independent notification system has been set up.
Sign up for official updates here:
redresscofe.org
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This website is run independently by the scheme administrator
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Your email address will not be shared with the Church of England
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You will receive updates as soon as the scheme is ready to launch
This is the safest and most reliable way to stay informed.
What You Can Do Now
While the scheme is not open yet, you can take two immediate steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, use our quick checker:
👉 https://churchofenglandclaim.co.uk/check-your-eligibility-form/
2. Sign Up for Notifications
Stay updated through the official independent website:
👉 redresscofe.org
Both steps are free, confidential, and designed to give you clarity and peace of mind as the scheme progresses.