COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Complaints, Conduct and Safeguarding Policy
(For The Open Episcopal Church)
1. Purpose
We are committed to conducting ministry with integrity, respect, and care. This policy sets out how concerns or complaints about our clerics or activities can be raised and addressed.
2. Who this applies to
This policy applies to:
- All recognised clerics within the denomination
- Any individual engaging with our ministry (including online)
3. Making a complaint
Complaints or concerns can be raised by any person.
Please contact:
Archbishop Jonathan Blake
Email: archbishopjonathanblake@gmail.com
Complaints should include (where possible):
- A description of the concern
- The name of the cleric or activity involved
- Any relevant dates or evidence
4. How complaints are handled
We aim to handle all concerns fairly and proportionately.
- Acknowledgement: within 7 days
- Review: the complaint will be considered by A bishop chosen from within the Archbishop's Council, that will not include the subject of the complaint
- Response: a written outcome will normally be provided within 28 days
Where necessary, we may:
- Seek further information
- Speak with relevant individuals
- Take advice before reaching a decision
5. Outcomes
Depending on the nature of the concern, outcomes may include:
- No further action
- Informal guidance or advice
- Formal warning
- Removal or restriction of recognition as a cleric within the denomination
6. Appeals
If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they may request a review by The Archbishop's Council, whose decision will be final.
7. Safeguarding
We take the safety of children and vulnerable adults seriously.
- We do not knowingly engage in ministry involving children or vulnerable adults without appropriate safeguards
- Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to:
Bishop Shelley Harsted-Smith shelley.harstad-smith@openepiscopalchurch.org
Where there is a risk of harm, concerns may be referred to appropriate statutory authorities.
8. Scope of authority
Clerics operate with a degree of independence in their ministry. However, by being recognised within this denomination, they agree to:
- Uphold appropriate standards of conduct
- Cooperate with this complaints process
- Accept decisions made under this policy
9. Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as needed.
Adopted in: 2026
Review date: 2027