TWO Church of England charities have been reprimanded by over safeguarding failures linked to allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

The claims were against John Perumbalath, who resigned as bishop of Liverpool last year.

The Charity Commission said it is the first time it has issued an official warning against any Church of England diocese. 

It found the Liverpool and Chelmsford diocesan boards of finance failed to properly handle safeguarding allegations against Mr Perumbalath, amounting to “mismanagement in the administration of the two charities.”

The commission said trustees “who knew of the allegations failed to take action” and that there were “insufficient processes and procedures in place to ensure adequate oversight of safeguarding.”

Mr Perumbalath stepped down after Channel 4 News reported accusations of non-consensual kissing, groping and sexual harassment, which he denies.

Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said a “lack of appropriate policies and procedures” meant serious allegations were not properly considered.

Chelmsford diocese said it “respectfully disagree[d]” with parts of the findings, calling the warning “disproportionate,” while Liverpool’s trustees apologised and accepted the conclusions.