Church of England Redress Scheme
The Church of England is launching a redress scheme to acknowledge and address abuse suffered by individuals at the hands of clergy, staff, or Church volunteers.
Speak out about abuse. We're here to help.
If you have experienced abuse in the Church of England, you may be entitled to compensation through a new redress scheme currently in development.
At Leigh Day, our specialist abuse team is here to support you with compassion and dignity. We are committed to helping survivors understand their rights and navigate what can be a complex and emotional process. Whether you're ready to begin an application or just want to talk about your options, we are here to help.
While funding for this case has not yet been confirmed, we are closely monitoring developments and are ready to act as soon as the scheme is in place.
Frequently asked questions – We're here to help you navigate the process
The Redress Scheme is a formal process being introduced by the Church of England to offer financial compensation to people who have experienced abuse within the Church or by its representatives. Redress Schemes are often a simpler way for survivors of abuse to obtain compensation compared to bringing legal proceedings.
Anyone who experienced abuse—sexual, physical, emotional or spiritual—committed by somebody who had authority to perform a role in the Church of England (such as clergy, staff or volunteers), or in a Church setting, may be eligible. This includes non-recent abuse.
There must also have been a close connection between the perpetrator’s authorised activities in the Church and the abuse which took place. Our legal team has extensive experience supporting survivors of abuse and can advise you fully from the outset.
The scheme covers a wide range of abuse, including:
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Sexual abuse
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Physical abuse
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Emotional and psychological abuse
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Spiritual abuse
- Financial
- Neglect and maltreatment
Leigh Day has extensive experience supporting survivors of abuse, particularly in religious and institutional settings. Our specialist team offers:
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Expert legal advice in complete confidence
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Trauma-informed support throughout the process
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A survivor-led approach that puts your needs first
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No win, no fee representation where appropriate
We will help you to understand all of your options, including whether to bring a compensation claim instead of making an application to the redress scheme. This is important from the outset as when a survivor accepts an award under the redress scheme, they are no longer entitled to bring a separate compensation claim against the church for the abuse they suffered.
We can:
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Help you to understand whether you are eligible for the scheme
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Prepare your application and gather any supporting evidence
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Advocate on your behalf to ensure your experience is properly recognised
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Challenge any unfair decisions or delays.
No. If you prefer, Leigh Day can manage all communications with the Church and scheme administrators on your behalf.
It’s possible. If you receive means-tested benefits (like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit), a redress payment may affect your entitlement. At present, unless the Church provides funding or sets up a protected scheme, payments could reduce or stop certain benefits.
We understand this is a serious concern. Our team will advise you clearly before any decisions are made and help you access financial guidance if needed. Your wellbeing remains our priority.
More information will be available soon. Over the summer, we will be publishing a series of blogs to help explain what the redress scheme could mean for survivors and how Leigh Day can support you through it.
Read our latest blogs
Church of England abuse – more cases in the news and a long wait for victim compensation
Leigh Day abuse claims partner Andrew Lord discusses reports of further safeguarding issues within the church and the wait victims have to receive compensation.
Church of England redress scheme – will it actually bring justice and closure?
Leigh Day abuse claims partner Dino Nocivelli considers whether the redress scheme put forward by the Church of England will adequately provide justice and closure for people who have suffered from Church-related abuse.
Spiritual abuse: Weaponising faith
Dino Nocivelli and Shaimaa Al-Mukhtar examine different forms of spiritual abuse and how justice can be pursued in civil courts.
Our London team has experience supporting survivors of Church-related abuse through sensitive and expert legal advice.
We offer confidential meetings at our central London office in a private and respectful setting. Whether you prefer to meet in person, speak over the phone, or communicate by email, we will work in a way that suits you.
You can expect a professional and compassionate approach from a team that understands the complexities of these cases.
Our London office
Our South West offices are committed to providing confidential, specialist legal support to survivors of Church of England abuse.
We offer private and discreet meeting spaces, with flexible options to meet in person, by phone, or online, whichever feels most comfortable for you.
Our team understands the sensitive nature of these cases and is dedicated to supporting you with professionalism and care throughout your journey.
Our South West offices
Our team in Birmingham provide confidential and expert legal support for survivors of abuse linked to the Church of England.
We offer private, safe spaces where you can meet with our experienced team, either in person or through phone and email, whichever you feel most comfortable with.
Our approach is always professional and respectful, ensuring you are supported throughout the redress process at your own pace.
Our Midlands office
We have private and welcoming offices across the North where we can meet with you in a way that feels safe and comfortable.
Whether you prefer to speak in person, over the phone, or by email, we will always work in a way that respects your needs and your pace.
Our Northern offices
Our Cardiff office is dedicated to offering confidential, specialised legal support to survivors of abuse within the Church of England, regardless of their current residence.
Whether you prefer to speak in person, over the phone, or by email, we will always work in a way that respects your needs and your pace.