Explanatory note

These Rules make procedural rules for the purposes of the Abuse Redress Measure 2025 (“the Measure”).

These Rules relate only to an application for redress under section 3 of the Measure, namely an application by or on behalf of a person who suffered the abuse to which the application relates.

Rule 1 provides for the commencement of the Rules by reference to the commencement of the Measure.

Rule 2 provides for particular descriptions of abuse within the categories specified in the Measure.

Rule 3 sets out procedural steps to be taken when making an application.

Rule 4 specifies the deadline for making an application.

Rule 5 provides for exceptions to the entitlement to make an application.

Rule 6 sets out special procedural steps to be taken where the person who suffered the abuse is under 18 at the time the application is made.

Rule 7 sets out the procedure for the continuation of an application where the applicant dies after the application is made but before it is determined.

Rule 8 provides for the withdrawal of an application.

Rule 9 sets out the procedure for the redress body to seek further information when determining an application.

Rule 10 imposes requirements on the redress body for notifying the outcome of an application.

Rule 11 imposes requirement on the redress body for notifying an award of redress, in particular by giving the applicant an opportunity to accept, or not to accept, the award.

Rule 12 provides for the impact of aggravating factors on the determination of an application.

Rule 13 introduces the Schedule, which sets out the steps to take in calculating the amount of a redress payment.

Rule 14 sets out the procedure for making a redress payment.

Rule 15 sets out the procedure for recovering a redress payment made in error.

Rule 16 sets out the procedure for making a non-financial award of redress.

Rule 17 sets out the procedure for applying for permission to appeal against the determination on an application for redress.

Rule 18 provides for the appointment of persons to assist the appeal authority in its determination of an appeal.

Rule 19 provides for the withdrawal of an appeal.

Rule 20 sets out procedural matters for the hearing of an appeal.

Rule 21 sets out procedural matters for having an application for redress redetermined where new information comes to light after the original determination.

Rule 22 makes procedural provision for an appeal against the determination on a reconsideration.

Rule 23 sets out matters by reference to which the Archbishops’ Council may satisfy themselves that it would be appropriate to take certain emergency steps where it thinks its status as a going concern may be at risk.

Rule 24 provides further detail on requests by the redress body for contributions to awards of redress.

Rule 25 sets out procedural steps for a person who receives a request from the redress body to provide information to object to doing so.

Rule 26 imposes limits on the onward disclosure of information provided pursuant to a request by the redress body.

Rule 27 enables the applicant to pause an application.

Rule 28 enables the redress body to pause an application.

Rule 29 requires the Archbishops’ Council to make a payment of £5,000 plus VAT to an applicant’s legal representatives, regardless of the outcome of the application.

Rule 30 gives the redress body a general power to extend time limits imposed by the Rules.

Rule 31 ensures that procedural irregularities will not invalidate an application or appeal.

Rule 32 provides that, where the Archbishops’ Council delegates functions under section 2(2) or (3) of the Measure, it must provide the delegate with written guidance on the exercise of those functions.