Safeguarding Practice Review and the Nine O’Clock Service
The Safeguarding Practice Review relating to the Nine O’Clock Service, announced by the Bishop of Sheffield in September 2025, will take place once the re-trial of Chris Brain has concluded. This is to ensure that it does not prejudice the trial in any way. It also allows the review to be informed by the full outcome of the legal process and can be carried out appropriately and responsibly. In the meantime, work is underway to identify and appoint an independent reviewer and to develop clear and robust terms of reference for the review. There may also be preparatory work that can appropriately take place over the summer in the period leading up to the September re-trial, to support readiness for the review once it formally begins. We are keen to engage survivors in all aspects of the review process, if you would like to be part of this please email nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org. Throughout this period, the diocese remains committed to safeguarding, to learning lessons well, and to ensuring that victims and survivors continue to be supported.
Statement from the Bishop of Sheffield and the Bishop of Doncaster on the Delayed Sentencing of Chris Brain
Following the decision of the Inner London Crown Court to delay sentencing of Chris Brain until after his retrial in September 2026, I want to reaffirm my commitment to all those affected by these deeply distressing events.
Chris Brain was found guilty earlier this year of 17 counts of indecent assault against former members of the Nine O’Clock Service. The decision to remand him in custody until the retrial reflects the seriousness of the remaining charges and the ongoing pursuit of justice.
To the survivors, their families, and all who have been impacted: I remain deeply sorry for the harm you have suffered. I recognise that this delay may bring renewed pain, uncertainty, and retraumatisation. These reactions are entirely understandable, and I hold each of you in my prayers.
We remain committed to supporting survivors and ensuring safeguarding is central to our life as a Church. If you have been affected or need support, please contact the Diocese of Sheffield Safeguarding Team at nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org or visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/safeguarding. Alternatively, you may prefer to access the independent support set out here: sheffdio.org/NOSsupport
Independent Support Services
Thirtyone:eight has been commissioned to provide two independent support services before, during, and after the trial. They will only share information as needed for safeguarding and risk management. Limited data, such as call volumes, may be shared with the Diocese for cost tracking or if the caller requests it to improve safeguarding practices. The services available are:
Specialist Helpline
The helpline team will be available to offer a supportive and listening ear to those affected by abuse. The helpline will provide a safe space for individuals to share some of their concerns and be signposted to appropriate third-party support. The team is comprised of experienced safeguarding professionals.
Listening Service
An opportunity for individuals to seek more in-depth support. This will be provided through an initial block of four one-hour sessions with further opportunity to offer support to survivors when attending court as a witness. The criteria for accessing this service is as follows:
- Those who are direct victims of abuse of incidents at the Nine O’Clock Service.
- Awaiting attendance at court to give evidence as a witness during the trial in 2025.
- Those involved with supporting a direct victim of abuse (either connected through family or from within the Nine O’Clock service/St Thomas Church, Crookes).
Both the Specialist Helpline and Listening Service can be accessed via thirty:one eight’s helpline 0303 003 1111 (or +44 1322 517817 internationally) quoting Nine O’clock Service Support, via e-mail to helpline@thirtyoneeight.org (for the helpline) or listeningservice@thirtyoneeight.org (for the listening service) quoting Nine O’clock service. You can also be referred by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
Safe Spaces
A free and confidential independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in a church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England. The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in England or Wales. Safe Spaces can help with advocating with authorities and other agencies, providing emotional support, understanding your needs and working on individual support plans.
Remote support is provided nationally through a helpline on 0300 303 1056. You can also email safespaces@firstlight.org.uk, or use the webchat service on the website safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
Diocesan Support Services
Spiritual Support
The Diocese of Sheffield has a number of members of clergy who are available to provide spiritual support during the time of the trial. These individuals are available to discuss issues of faith, the impact of this situation upon your faith, to offer prayer or other spiritual support. They are not trained counsellors.
This support is available between the hours of 8am and 9pm. You will be linked up with a member of the support team.
To access this service, call (01709) 968107.
Additional Support Options
Further Victim and Survivor Support can Be Found on Our Dedicated Webpage.
You may also find the Church of England’s guidance Responding Well to Victims and Survivors of Church Based Abuse helpful at the bottom of this page.
If you would like support to access any of the services highlighted or would like to discuss any concerns with the Diocese please contact the safeguarding team. We have three safeguarding advisors who will ensure your need for support is communicated with the appropriate service. To speak to one of our advisors email: nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org
Media statements
