Seeking Justice: A Survivor's Guide to the Church of England Abuse Redress Scheme
We understand that coming forward to talk about abuse takes immense courage. If you have been harmed by someone connected to the Church of England, please know that you are not alone, and there are pathways to acknowledgement and support.
At Winston Solicitors, our dedicated team of abuse claim specialists is here to provide confidential, expert legal guidance with the sensitivity and respect you deserve. This page explains the Church of England’s redress schemes and clarifies how we can help you navigate the process.
Understanding the Claims Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Winston Solicitors will stand with you at every step, managing the entire process on your behalf.
Step 1: Your Free, Confidential Initial Consultation
The first step is to get in touch with our specialist team. This initial conversation is completely free, without any obligation, and is held in the strictest confidence. We will:
- Listen to your experience with empathy and without judgment.
- Provide a clear explanation of the redress scheme.
- Advise you on your eligibility to make a claim.
- Answer any questions you may have about the process.
Step 2: Preparing and Building Your Case
If you decide to proceed, we will begin to carefully build your case. This involves:
- Taking Your Statement: We will sensitively help you create a comprehensive witness statement detailing the abuse and, crucially, its lifelong impact on you.
- Gathering Evidence: While your testimony is the most important evidence, we can assist in gathering supporting documents, such as medical records or any past correspondence, to strengthen your claim. We handle this process with the utmost discretion.
Step 3: Submitting the Application
Once the scheme formally opens for applications after July 2025, we will submit the detailed application on your behalf. We ensure that the application form is completed accurately and presents your case in the most effective way possible, removing this administrative burden from you.
Step 4: The Independent Assessment
Your claim will be reviewed by an independent body. Our role during this stage is to act as your advocate and shield. We will:
- Manage all communications with the scheme administrators.
- Respond to any requests for further information.
- Ensure your case is being processed fairly and efficiently.
Step 5: Receiving an Offer of Redress
The scheme can offer various forms of redress, including:
- Financial Compensation: A payment to acknowledge the abuse and its impact.
- Therapeutic Support: Access to counselling or other support services.
- A Formal Apology: An official apology from the Church.
When an offer is made, we will provide you with expert legal advice on whether it is a fair and appropriate settlement for your specific circumstances before you decide whether to accept it.
For Urgent Needs: The Interim Support Scheme (ISS)
If you are in immediate need of support due to the abuse you suffered, you do not have to wait for the main scheme to open. The Church of England has an Interim Support Scheme (ISS) in place right now.
The ISS is designed to provide immediate help to those facing a crisis with their mental or physical health or who are struggling with day-to-day life as a direct result of the abuse. Winston Solicitors can help you make an urgent application to the ISS to get the immediate support you need.
How Winston Solicitors Will Support You
Choosing to make a claim is a significant decision. Our priority is to make the legal process as stress-free as possible for you.
- We Handle Everything: From paperwork to phone calls, we manage the entire claim so you can focus on your well-being.
- No Win, No Fee: We will represent you on a "No Win, No Fee" basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you.
- A Protective Buffer: You will not have to speak directly with Church representatives. We act as your protective intermediary.
- Your Story, Your Pace: We work at a pace that you are comfortable with. You are in control of your claim at all times.
- Complete Confidentiality: Your privacy is paramount. Everything you tell us is protected and will not be shared without your explicit consent.
Your Right to Independent Legal Representation
A common and critical question we hear is whether you must use a specific law firm appointed by the Church.
The answer is no. You have the right to choose your own independent solicitor to represent you.
Engaging a specialist firm like Winston Solicitors ensures that your interests, and yours alone, are the absolute priority. Our role is to advise and advocate for you, ensuring your voice is heard and your case is presented in the strongest possible way.
The Role of Kennedys Law Explained
You may have heard the name Kennedys Law in connection with the scheme. To avoid any confusion, Kennedys has been appointed by the Church to be the independent administrator of the scheme.
Their job is to manage the process and assess applications impartially based on the scheme's rules. They are not your solicitor. Their role is administrative, not advisory for survivors.
A Crucial Point: The Cost of Legal Advice
We believe in being completely transparent with our clients. The Church's proposed scheme may have very limited provision for survivors' legal costs to be paid. This has raised serious concerns that survivors could be left at a disadvantage or forced to pay for legal fees from their compensation.
At Winston Solicitors, we will provide you with a clear and honest assessment of all potential costs and funding options during our initial consultation. Our commitment is to ensure you have the expert representation you need, without any hidden surprises.
