Support and information for survivors of Church of England abuse
You deserve to be heard. This page provides information about the Church of England Redress Scheme and the support available to survivors.
If you experienced abuse within the Church of England, a national redress scheme is being established. The scheme is intended to recognise the harm suffered by survivors and provide a range of forms of redress.
The scheme is expected to offer:
- Financial redress
- Therapeutic, emotional, physical and spiritual support
- Formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing and an apology from the Church
*By clicking this button, you will leave this website and be redirected to the Switalskis Solicitors website.
While this page provides general information about the Church of England redress scheme, some survivors may wish to seek independent legal advice and representation when considering an application.
What Is the Church of England redress scheme?
The Church of England redress scheme is a national programme being introduced to support survivors and victims of Church-related abuse.
The scheme will be administered independently of the Church. Its purpose is to provide a structured process through which survivors can seek recognition of harm and access available redress and support.
The scheme is expected to include:
Financial redress: Compensation assessed according to the harm experienced and its impact.
Support services: access to therapeutic, emotional, physical and spiritual support.
Acknowledgement and apology: a formal acknowledgement of wrongdoing and an apology from the Church.
Broad eligibility: the scheme is expected to be open to survivors regardless of where they now live, and regardless of when or where the abuse occurred, subject to the final published eligibility criteria.
Full details will be confirmed when the Scheme formally opens.
Why this scheme matters
For many survivors, this will be the first time a formal process is available that:
Recognises the harm experienced
Provides access to financial redress
Offers structured support
Includes formal acknowledgement and apology
The scheme is expected to remain open for approximately five years (anticipated 2026–2030), although official dates will be confirmed at launch.
Compensation is expected to range from £5,000 to £660,000 under the proposed framework. Awards are anticipated to be assessed based on:
The nature of the abuse
Aggravating factors
The impact on the survivor
Exceptional circumstances (where applicable)
Legal support and advice
While this page provides general information about the Church of England redress scheme, some survivors may wish to seek independent legal advice and representation when considering an application.
For specialist legal advice and support in relation to the Church of England Redress Scheme, please click below*.
*By clicking this button, you will leave this website and be redirected to the Switalskis Solicitors website..
Switalskis is independent of the Church of England and has extensive experience supporting survivors of abuse claims and redress schemes.
Key information 1
The Church of England has announced that over £150 million has been committed to support survivors through the Redress Scheme.
Key information 2
The scheme is expected to remain open for approximately five years. (anticipated 2026–2030), although official dates will be confirmed at launch.
Key information 3
Compensation is expected to range from £5,000 to £660,000 under the proposed framework and depending on the assessment.
FAQ
What is the Church of England redress scheme?
The Redress Scheme is a national programme set up to provide financial compensation, therapeutic support, spiritual care, and formal acknowledgment to survivors and victims of Church-related abuse. It is being independently administered to ensure fairness and sensitivity.
Who can apply to the scheme?
Anyone who has experienced abuse connected to the Church of England may be eligible, regardless of where they now live or when the abuse took place. The scheme covers sexual, physical, emotional, spiritual, financial abuse, and neglect. I understand that families of deceased who suffered are eligible to apply.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation amounts are expected to range between £5-£660,000:
Stage 1 initial award £5k-£150k based on the type and category of the abuse ie physical sexual, spiritual, emotional etc).
Stage 2 an award for aggravating factors ie extent of injuries, duration of abuse (this can double stage 1 award).
Stage 3 additional award of £250k dependant upon impact assessment and Stage 4 a 20% increase on the amount awarded in stages 1-3 in exceptional circumstances.
How long will the scheme be open?
The scheme is expected to remain open for around five years (2026–2030), giving survivors time to apply. However, early applications are encouraged so survivors can access support and redress sooner.
Will previous payments from the Interim Support Scheme affect my claim?
No. If you received a payment under the Interim Support Scheme, this will not be deducted from your Redress Scheme award.
What other support is available apart from money?
Survivors may also receive access to therapeutic and emotional support, spiritual care, and a formal acknowledgment and apology from the Church.