A data breach by Kennedys Law LLP, who are responsible for administering the independent safeguarding Redress Scheme for the Church of England, has resulted in the unintended disclosure of email addresses belonging to individuals who had registered for updates on the scheme.
Bishop Michael says, “I know this will be deeply upsetting for those individuals affected, who have already been through so much. I continue to hold them in my prayers and urge anyone affected or traumatised by this incident to draw on the support available, whether that is our Safeguarding team or other professional support.”
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, who chaired the Church's Independent Redress Scheme prior to the approval of the scheme at General Synod in July 2025, has written an open letter to survivors.
Bishop Philip says, “Survivors deserve and should receive the utmost care, confidentiality, and respect. On behalf of the Church, I want to say clearly: there can be no excuses for this failure. We know that this has negatively affected people and trust has been damaged, and we grieve that this has happened.”
Read Bishop Philip’s open letter to survivors in full
Read the statement from Kennedys in response to the data breach
Read the Church of England statement in response to the data breach
Available support
Diocese of Bath and Wells Safeguarding team
If you have been affected by this data breach, please do reach out to Ben Goodhind, Safeguarding Manager for support, should you wish to.
Independent support
• You can access urgent support through the Church of England Interim Support Scheme (ISS)
• Also, independent advocacy is available through the Safe Spaces website or by calling them on 0300 303 1056