Church of England Redress Scheme: Timeline and Current Status
The Redress Scheme is not yet open. Here is exactly what has happened so far, what is confirmed, and what is still unknown — kept up to date as the scheme progresses toward opening in the latter part of 2026.
Current status, confirmed directly from the Church of England's own published scheme page: the Redress Scheme has not yet opened. It is expected to open in the latter part of 2026. No exact opening date has been announced.
How We Got Here
Following IICSA
IICSA recommends a national redress scheme
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse's Anglican Church investigation recommended that the Church of England establish redress arrangements for survivors, running alongside — not instead of — the right to bring a civil claim.
March 2024
Kennedys Law appointed as Scheme Administrator
The Church of England announced Kennedys Law LLP as the organisation that would help develop and manage the National Redress Scheme.
18 December 2025
The Redress Scheme Measure receives Royal Assent
The legal framework allowing the Church to establish a national redress scheme received Royal Assent, clearing the way for the scheme to be finalised and opened.
Latter part of 2026 (expected)
Scheme opens for applications
The Church of England's own scheme page confirms the scheme is 'not yet open' and is expected to open in the latter part of 2026. No exact opening date has been published.
From opening
Five-year application window
Once open, the scheme runs for five years. It closes to new applications nine months before the scheme ends, giving the Scheme Administrator time to complete outstanding applications already submitted.
What We Don't Know Yet
The Church of England's own scheme page and FAQs do not yet confirm a specific compensation framework or interim support payment figure. Estimates circulating elsewhere — including an award range of £5,000 to £660,000 through a four-stage assessment framework — are based on third-party legal analysis of the scheme's design, not the Church's own official confirmation. Treat these as indicative until the Church publishes final figures.
What is officially confirmed: there is no time limit between when the abuse happened and applying, and the scheme will run for five years once it opens. For how these figures compare to what a civil claim can recover, see our compensation guide.
Don't Wait for the Scheme to Decide Your Options
Applying to the Redress Scheme permanently waives your right to a civil claim for the same abuse — the moment you submit, not the moment you accept an offer. Speak to a specialist before you have to make that choice.